The Chaebol Returns To The Presidency 1967 [EN]: Chapter 75

75. Raiding the Food Storage

The President began,

“Vehicle traffic is projected to increase dramatically. To alleviate parking issues and reduce air pollution, I propose implementing a garage certification system, requiring each car owner to secure a designated parking space.”

“Understood, Your Excellency!” Minister Jung responded.

“The innovative enterprise policy appears to be underperforming. We’ve identified 24 instances of large corporations illegally appropriating ideas from smaller, innovative companies. Some cases even involve threats and intimidation.”

“We will disclose these cases to the media and impose severe penalties. Technology theft must be dealt with decisively to deter future offenses. I will introduce a punitive damages system to ensure offending companies are held accountable and victimized companies receive adequate compensation.”

“Understood, Your Excellency.”

“Minister Jung, what’s the progress on the drilling in Sector 7?”

“Four drill ships are actively drilling at promising locations. We anticipate positive results soon. It’s a matter of probability, so we need some good fortune.”

“And the Yeosu Petrochemical Complex?”

“It’s 77% complete. Shell is considering a new investment of $100 million, and we’re currently in negotiations. The undersea crude oil pipeline is 33% complete. With the foundation work finished, we expect completion within six months if we accelerate the pace.”

The Minister of Culture then reported,

“Here is a model of the statue of the heroic Admiral Yi Sun-sin [a renowned Korean naval commander] to be erected in Gwanghwamun Plaza. We have endeavored to capture the solemn and magnificent spirit of national defense.”

The President examined the model and pointed out,

“He’s holding the sword in his right hand. Shouldn’t a warrior typically hold it in his left hand to draw with his right?”

The Minister of Culture appeared flustered, his face reddening.

“Ah, yes, you’re correct. I will verify with the production team if there’s a specific reason for this and make the necessary correction.”

“Also, the armor should be a Joseon-style [referring to the Joseon Dynasty of Korea] single-piece *duejeong* armor [a type of Korean padded armor], but this appears to be a separated, Chinese-style armor.”

The minister was now sweating noticeably.

“Ah, I… I will rectify it, Your Excellency!”

“The sword is also reminiscent of a Japanese katana. Joseon *hwandos* [Korean swords] have shorter blades and handles compared to Japanese swords, yet this one has an elongated handle and blade. Who oversaw the production without conducting thorough historical research?”

“I apologize. It seems a professor of fine arts was in charge, rather than a historian.”

“Replace them immediately and commission a new draft based on accurate historical research.”

“Understood, Your Excellency!”

“Furthermore, refine the facial features to more closely resemble the standard portrait. And consider incorporating a war drum (*jeon-go*) [a traditional Korean war drum] in an upright position, rather than lying down.”

“I will certainly take that into consideration, Your Excellency!”

“And the Minister of Employment and Labor!”
The Labor Administration, previously under the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, had recently been reorganized into the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

“Yes, Your Excellency!”

“How is the inspection of minimum wage compliance progressing?”

“All large businesses are adhering to the minimum wage, and we plan to extend the inspections to businesses with 50 or more employees starting next month. Our focus is on providing guidance and support.”

“Women, teenagers, and day laborers may be unaware of their rights or hesitant to assert them. Please prioritize their guidance and protection.”

“Understood, Your Excellency.”

“Also, present the principle of equal pay for equal work to the Labor-Management-Government Council. The current system, with individual labor disputes arising at each company annually, is inefficient. We need to streamline the process through industry-wide union negotiations to ensure equitable labor practices, eliminating wage discrimination based on gender, region, or company affiliation.”

“Understood, Your Excellency!”

“And the Ministry of Interior should develop a three-year comprehensive plan for the computerization of government administration.”

Throughout the intense cabinet meeting, Kim Jong-pil remained largely silent and uninvolved.

With Minister Jung’s appointment to the cabinet, his influence had diminished further.

The President turned to the Prime Minister, seeking his input for the first time in a while.

“Isn’t there ongoing discussion about relocating the National Assembly building to Yeouido?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“What if we moved the National Assembly to the current Blue House [the presidential residence], and relocated the President’s office adjacent to it or elsewhere?”

“You’re suggesting using the Blue House as the National Assembly?”

“Precisely. The Blue House, situated within the Joseon royal palace, gives the impression of an imperial presidency. Placing the National Assembly in the royal palace would symbolize democracy, where the people are sovereign. Remodeling the Blue House would also result in significant cost savings.”

“Ah, I understand your reasoning. I will discuss this proposal with my staff and the National Assembly, Your Excellency!”

Pyongyang was undoubtedly envious of the prospect of South Korea becoming an oil-producing nation.

* * *

October 30, 1968. Eastern Front.

Late at night, a clandestine vessel silently approached the east coast.

Each of the four special vessels carried 30 heavily armed guerrillas.

This armed guerrilla force belonged to the 124th Army, under the Reconnaissance Bureau of the North Korean Ministry of People’s Defense—the same unit that had previously attacked the Blue House.

The guerrillas divided into eight groups and infiltrated Ulchin County, Samcheok County, Bonghwa County, Myeongju County, and Jeongseon County in Gangwon Province, exploiting the darkness to carry out assassinations, sabotage, sow discord, and gather intelligence.

Once everyone had disembarked, the special vessel silently reversed course.

Just then…

Pshooong~

Dozens of flares illuminated the night sky.

Bang! Bang!

Tang-tang-tang-
Ttrrr-

Machine guns and rifles unleashed a barrage of concentrated fire on the coastline.

“We’ve been discovered! Return fire!”

Tatang-

“Ugh!”

“Kkeoeok!”

The guerrillas fell rapidly under the relentless hail of bullets.

Some attempted to flee into the sea.

In the water, a U.S. Navy destroyer encircled them and unleashed naval guns at the remaining special vessel.

쾅-쾅-
A column of water erupted as the North Korean vessel, struck by naval gunfire, was torn to pieces.

The surviving vessel fled at full speed.

A U.S. military aircraft strafed the fleeing vessel with machine gun fire from above.

Tutu-

Kwarreuk!

The special vessel billowed black smoke and sank.

The ‘Ulchin-Samcheok Armed Guerrilla Incident,’ which had caused considerable unrest during Chairman Wang’s era, was swiftly and decisively suppressed in a single day, thanks to the President’s preemptive directives.

* * *

1969. Pyongyang.

A strategy meeting concerning operations against the South was convened, with Chairman Kim in attendance.

North Korea had previously held an economic advantage over South Korea due to the Supung hydroelectric power plant and its abundant underground resources. However, South Korea’s recent economic growth, military modernization, and continental shelf development had surpassed North Korea in nearly every aspect of politics and economics. Consequently, North Korea consolidated its various departments focused on the South into a single entity: the United Front Department.

With Okinawa’s separation and independence as Yuldokuk, the withdrawal of U.S. troops and nuclear weapons, and Korea’s dramatic progress, they sought a new strategy against the South.

The 1st Department Head reported.

“South Korea is projected to achieve $5 billion in exports and $1,000 in national income this year. Furthermore, their joint continental shelf offshore oil drilling operations with the United States could lead to a significant widening of the gap if oil production commences within three years. Therefore…”

The Chairman, chewing on a Cuban cigar, interjected sharply.

“I am well aware of all that! So, what is your proposed course of action! I’m referring to operations against the South, liberation operations against the South!”

“Uh, border security has been significantly strengthened, and our attempts to infiltrate guerrilla forces have been repeatedly thwarted.”

“Cease all guerrilla warfare involving land and sea infiltration. Instead, formulate a plan for a full-scale war. An overwhelming, all-out war!”

“Yes, Supreme Leader!”

“The reports presented thus far are unrealistic. Even with a 100-day operation, do you believe the U.S. military would stand idly by for 100 days while we advance to Busan in a blitzkrieg?”

“……”

“From the moment war erupts, U.S. imperialist bombers will blanket the Korean Peninsula. Did you not witness the destructive power of their tactical nuclear weapon last time!”

“……”

“Even with the withdrawal of nuclear weapons from Okinawa, the United States, having disengaged from Vietnam, retains ample military capacity. The U.S. military will not hesitate to deploy nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula. What would be the point if both North and South are reduced to ashes!”

“……”

“Is there no innovative operation to seize South Korea’s industrial and oil assets intact!”

The Chairman’s special directive was issued, and two months later, in the Chairman’s office…

The president of Kim Il-sung University delivered a solo briefing before the Chairman, presenting prepared slides.

The Chairman sat cross-legged on the sofa, his eyes filled with anticipation.

The president began his explanation.

“The operation is codenamed ‘48-Hour Operation,’ also known as ‘Raiding the Food Storage.’”

The operation scenario was as follows.

[1 minute before the start of the operation]

Multiple rocket launcher and missile units are deployed near the armistice line.

The multiple rocket launchers are aimed at strategic landing points in the South.

The 122mm and 240mm multiple rocket launchers and missiles are targeted at 180 key locations, including the Blue House, the U.S. Forces Korea headquarters, the Ministry of National Defense, and military bases situated inland and along the coast throughout South Korea.

Brrr, brrr-

4,200 mechanized unit tanks and 2,200 armored vehicles simultaneously rev their engines.

In the tunnels north of the armistice line, North Korean special forces soldiers, disguised in South Korean military uniforms, await the signal at the tunnel entrances.

At the airfield, rickety AN-2 aircraft, carrying airborne troops, ignite their engines.

(The AN-2 is 13m long and 18.2m wide, with a fuselage constructed of wood and leather, making it difficult to detect by radar at low altitudes. It can transport approximately 10 fully armed special forces soldiers.)

On the coast, 260 landing ships and 420 warships are poised, awaiting orders.

[Midnight 00:00. Surprise attack]

Pyoong-pyoong-pyoong-

Multiple rocket launcher shells and missiles, loaded with non-persistent chemical weapons (sarin gas), are launched simultaneously.

From the north of the armistice line, approximately 13,000 long-range guns (field guns, multiple rocket launchers, self-propelled guns), concealed in caves, tunnels, and construction facilities, unleash a coordinated barrage.

쾅- 쾅-

Flames erupt like a rash on a child afflicted with measles, engulfing South Korean military bases along the armistice line, the northern part of the metropolitan area, and the northern region of Gangwon Province.

Coastal guns aimed at the West Sea 5 Islands also unleash their fury.

팡-팡-팡-

Missiles and shells rain down like meteors upon the capital area, including the Blue House, the Yongsan Joint Chiefs of Staff headquarters, and the Pyeongtaek U.S. military base.

쾅-쾅-

Explosions reverberate. A colorless and odorless gas is released from the shells.

Shhh-shhh-

The surroundings are enveloped in a thick fog.

Citizens, startled by the deafening noise, rush outside, clutching their chests, foaming at the mouth, and collapsing helplessly.

Those who hastily evacuate their homes upon hearing news of North Korea’s provocation, amidst blaring air raid sirens, succumb instantly.

The number of casualties escalates rapidly as sarin gas permeates ventilation ducts and door gaps.

Chemical bombs target major military installations, security forces, critical national infrastructure, and government offices.

The South Korean military, placed on high alert, immediately prepares self-propelled guns for a counterattack, following established protocols.

However, the soldiers begin to vomit, gasp for air, and collapse.

Chemical bombs rain down on every airfield, preventing the South Korean Air Force from immediate takeoff.

[Dawn 02:00]

The sarin gas begins to dissipate. As a non-persistent chemical weapon, its effects diminish within approximately 1 to 2 hours in exposed areas.

In the South Korean capital area and military base area, rows of corpses lie hardened like wooden blocks.

The 200,000 light infantry brigade, disguised in South Korean military uniforms, advances through the chemically contaminated northern Gyeonggi Province from the invasion tunnels, pressing south without hesitation.

300 AN-2 aircraft also take flight towards the south. Flying at low altitudes, they survey the fire-stricken armistice line and proceed towards the capital area, with some continuing further south.

Air-cushion vehicles (hovercraft) carrying special agents also commence their operations.

Buwoong-buwoong-

Departing from the West Sea base towards Incheon, and from the East Sea base towards Sokcho and Gangneung.

Since air-cushion vehicles travel on a cushion of air above the water, their speed approaches 90 km/h.

The South Korean Navy is unable to react in time to these super-high-speed vessels, which can reach Incheon in the West Sea and Sokcho in the East Sea in just 30 minutes each, and Gangneung in 1 hour.

Some South Korean artillerymen, wearing gas masks and surviving the chemical attack, abandon precision targeting and fire indiscriminately to the north.

However, the North’s multiple rocket launchers, already reloaded, unleash another devastating barrage upon their positions.

쾅-쾅-

펑~펑~

In the first hour of the war, 5 million people, including civilians, are killed or injured in South Korea.