The Chaebol Returns To The Presidency 1967 [EN]: Chapter 77

77. Hunting the Body

“The President of Korea is in his final term, so there’s no need to take unnecessary risks. We must enthrone a pro-Japanese figure as the next president.”

“Who are you considering as a successor?”

“Prime Minister Kim Jeong-pil.”

“Ah, isn’t he a true Japan expert?”

“Indeed. He holds the position of Prime Minister, the second-in-command, and is a relative of the current president, as well as a key figure in the intelligence agency. The current president’s popularity is very high, so he is likely to defeat the opposition party and take power, barring any unforeseen circumstances.”

“Is it certain that the president intends to pass the baton to the prime minister?”

“There is no one else in the ruling party. And considering that the current president appointed him as prime minister, it is safe to assume that he has been marked as the successor.”

“Make contact with Prime Minister Kim and establish a close relationship.”

“Understood, Your Excellency!”

* * *

Prime Minister’s Office.

The ruling party leader met with Kim Jeong-pil to discuss the political schedule.

“Prime Minister, the season for the presidential election is slowly approaching. We must start the party’s primary schedule soon.”

The Prime Minister said nonchalantly.

“Is it already that time?”

“Already? The opposition party is already engaged in internal power struggles. They’re neglecting parliamentary affairs and are busier outside the National Assembly, trying to win over lawmakers.”

“Indeed, the party’s primary is more fierce and difficult.”

“When are you planning to start, Prime Minister? Will you run while maintaining your public office?”

“Well…”

“…”

“His Excellency will give me a hint. It’s not something I should jump the gun on.”

“We need to seize the initiative early so that the riff-raff don’t make a mess. Since there aren’t any real competitors, why don’t you start first?”

“Even a monk can’t shave his own head [meaning it’s inappropriate to promote oneself]. It’s not appropriate for me to bring it up directly. Why don’t you directly sound out His Excellency’s intentions?”

“Understood.”

* * *

The Chief of Staff reported to the President.

“The ruling party is coordinating the next presidential election schedule. There is conflict within the party over whether to focus on party members or include public opinion in the primary method.”

“It’s still more than a year and a half away, but the presidential election already? It’s not a pleasant feeling.”

“The party’s sentiment is already focused on who the next candidate will be.”

“Who is the most likely candidate?”

“Prime Minister Kim is the most prominent. The ruling party leader even asked me when he would resign from the Prime Minister’s office and run for president.”

“Hmm, they’re counting their chickens before they hatch.”

“…”

“I’d like the preliminary round to be a public opinion poll, and the main round to be a regional primary with party member votes.”

“Understood.”

* * *

President’s Office.

The President received a report from the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

“Your Excellency, the internal investigation has confirmed the involvement of the 102nd Division Chief (domestic intelligence gathering) and the 202nd Division Chief (overseas operations).”

The Central Intelligence Agency was directly under the Prime Minister and was at the Deputy Prime Minister level, higher than a minister.

It was organized with a 1st Deputy Director (domestic affairs), Planning Director (budget and planning), 101st Division Chief (domestic intelligence coordination), 102nd Division Chief (domestic intelligence gathering), 103rd Division Chief (anti-communist investigation), 202nd Division Chief (overseas operations), Inspection Director (agency discipline), and General Affairs Director (agency operation and personnel).

“Hmm, so there was an enemy within.”

The President was surprised by the data presented by the opposition party during the recent National Assembly audit.

Photographs of President Jeong and President Dong at the Kennedy Space Center, and Hyunse’s secret Vietnamese account, were top secrets that no one could access.

The data was not collected solely by the opposition party, but was clearly provided by an insider.

And it was a position with considerable classified status.

That’s why he secretly instructed the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency to investigate internal spies.

Until the regression, it was common for the Central Intelligence Agency to monitor the opposition party, but after Chairman Wang took office, surveillance of domestic politicians was stopped.

But this time, the Central Intelligence Agency was monitoring the President.

“There’s no reason to contact the opposition party alone… Who’s the mastermind?”

“The names that came up from the wiretapping were Ambassador to Japan (Lee Woo-rak) and Prime Minister Kim Jeong-pil.”

“Kim Jeong-pil, Lee Woo-rak!”

“Yes. It seems that Prime Minister Kim is trying to embarrass Your Excellency by engaging in political maneuvering.”

“Hmm, Kim Jeong-pil took the lead and used the overseas operation network… Kim Jeong-pil and Lee Woo-rak are all founding members of the Central Intelligence Agency, so their line is still alive.”

“That’s right. But during the investigation, we learned that the Ambassador to Japan has met with Japanese intelligence agencies several times.”

“With Japan?”

“We couldn’t confirm the phone call records with Japan, but there are scenes where he is presumed to have received money.”

He showed a photo of a Japanese intelligence officer receiving a bag from Lee Woo-rak at a restaurant.

“It was impossible to capture the conversation between Lee Woo-rak and the Japanese intelligence officer.”

“Kim Jeong-pil – Central Intelligence Agency – Lee Woo-rak – Japanese Intelligence Agency… If we reverse the flow of information, it means that Japan is involved in domestic political maneuvering… Hmm, Japan is definitely trying to separate Okinawa and overturn the 7th mining zone [a disputed maritime area]. Japan benefits the most when the Republic of Korea falls into chaos.”

“In his calls with Kim Jeong-pil, Lee Woo-rak always respectfully used the title ‘Your Excellency.’ Could it be that Japan is trying to buy Kim Jeong-pil and install him as the next president?”

“…”

“I believe Japan is resorting to political maneuvering to buy the head of state because they are being pushed back in diplomacy.”

“That could be the case. Those cunning Japs!”

“We need to confirm the substance further.”

“Have all the Central Intelligence Agency-related people been identified?”

“The active participants are the 101st Division Chief and the 202nd Division Chief, and the rest seem to be passively following orders due to the nature of their duties, unaware of what they are doing.”

“Since Japan is involved, we need to move carefully. Diplomatic issues may arise.”

“I am bearing that in mind.”

“Imja! [a term of address for a close aide]”

“Yes, Your Excellency!”

“Collect evidence secretly and thoroughly.”

“Understood, Your Excellency!”

The President went into deep thought.

The opposition party would not readily reveal the informant, and would defend themselves with parliamentary immunity.

The Prime Minister and the Ambassador would not admit to contacting Japan for political maneuvering.

The people involved were the Prime Minister, the Central Intelligence Agency, the opposition party, and Japan, so they would cut off their tails at the slightest hint.

It was difficult to guess how far to cut it out, or even how far it was possible.

A political novice clings to uncovering the truth.

But a master achieves political goals through it, rather than the truth itself.

The President simulated at what point and how he could explode the truth to move history and achieve his goals.

* * *

Namsan [a mountain in Seoul, often associated with intelligence agencies].

The 1st Deputy Director was interrogating the 102nd Division Chief (domestic intelligence gathering).

It was a dangerous gamble to arrest only the 102nd Division Chief.

If the people involved knew that the 102nd Division Chief had been arrested, they would destroy the evidence and cut off their tails.

Lee Woo-rak should have been summoned and arrested from Japan before he defected or went into hiding, but only the 102nd Division Chief was secretly arrested in order to catch the body [find the key evidence or person].

If he didn’t cooperate, everything would go wrong.

The investigation was conducted in a gentlemanly manner without torture.

“I never thought I’d be interrogating a colleague.”

“…”

“Then let’s get started in earnest.”

“…”

“It was you who handed over Hyunse’s Vietnamese account to the opposition lawmaker.”

“…”

“Why? Who ordered you?”

“…”

“The right to remain silent… I’m not asking because I don’t know.”

“…”

The Deputy Director took out a photo of Lee Woo-rak and a Japanese intelligence officer and placed it on the desk.

“I know everything about the 202nd Division Chief, the Ambassador to Japan, the Japanese intelligence agency, and Kim Jeong-pil’s involvement.”

“…”

The Division Chief’s pupils shook slightly.

“You probably didn’t know it was a Japanese plot, did you? But since you used Japanese funds, you’re guilty of treason. It’s a spy ring case. Spies don’t just operate in the North.”

“…”

“No, even if you knew, you’d have to say you didn’t. That it was just a simple errand. Because treason is punishable by death.”

“What do you want?”

“I’m not interested in feathers [small details or unimportant figures]. I want the body.”

“…”

“You’re just a errand boy. But the Prime Minister, the Ambassador, and Japan will deny it. They’ll cut off their tails. You’re the only ones who will take the blame.”

“…”

“There’s only one way to avoid punishment. You can become a patriot in an instant.”

“…”

“Yes! That’s what you’re thinking right now. A double agent!”

“Hmm…”

“Will you cooperate?”

“…”

* * *

Daeyeongak Hotel [a well-known hotel, implying a discreet location].

The 102nd Division Chief was meeting the 202nd Division Chief in a hotel room.

The 202nd Division Chief said.

“Japan is pushing Prime Minister Kim as the next president. Because Prime Minister Kim is the most likely candidate.”

“…”

“They’re planning to form a pro-Japanese cabinet.”

“It’ll be difficult for lawmakers to easily side with Japan because of anti-Japanese sentiment.”

“We don’t need pro-Japanese converts. If we give them money, they’ll support Pyongyang [North Korea, implying they’ll support anyone for money].”

“It’ll cost a lot of money to win them over.”

The 202nd Division Chief took out a 007 briefcase.

When he put it on the desk and opened it, it was filled with stacks of yellow yen bills.

“We can bring in as much yen as we want through the diplomatic pouch of the Japanese Embassy.”

He was using the fact that the embassy’s baggage was treated as diplomatic secrets and passed through customs without inspection at the border.

“Ambassador Lee is working hard.”

“Ambassador Lee is a prime minister candidate in the next government. And a presidential candidate in the one after that. You and I will be promoted to heads of the intelligence agency.”

“It’s gratifying just to think about it. Who should I give this money to?”

“Give it to Prime Minister Park’s secretary, and he’ll take care of it. Your funds are here separately.”

He gave him a bag full of yen.

* * *

Gimpo Airport.

Lee Woo-rak, wearing sunglasses, got off the plane on the runway with a bag.

He had been summoned by the Blue House [the presidential residence] and arrived urgently from Japan.

He entered through the VIP passage.

That’s when it happened.

Three burly men stood close on either side.

Lee Woo-rak frowned.

“Who are you guys?”

“We’re from the Central Intelligence Agency.”

“Suddenly? Do you know who I am?”

“You’re the Ambassador to Japan. We’ve come to escort you politely.”

“Then why is your attitude like this? I’m going to the Blue House right now under His Excellency’s orders. This isn’t an escort!”

Click!

The Central Intelligence Agency agent’s hand and his hand were handcuffed.

“You bastards! Do you really want to die!”

Thud!

The agent delivered a powerful hook to his abdomen with his fist.

“Cough!”

The Ambassador Lee collapsed to his knees.

“Ambassador Lee Woo-rak, let’s go to the car politely.”

“Y-you, you guys…”

* * *

Namsan.

Ambassador Lee, with blood in his mouth, screamed at the top of his lungs.

“You bastards, I’m the Central Intelligence Agency’s grandfather, your grandfather!”

“A guy like that is committing treason! You should be ashamed!”

“You’ve got something wrong. That money is money I won at the Japanese racetrack!”

He met with a Japanese intelligence officer at the Japanese racetrack and received a bag of money.

It was a kind of money laundering under the guise of winning a betting ticket.

The Deputy Director came in.

“Oh? You shouldn’t treat a senior like this so harshly.”

“Oh, Deputy Director Kim! Well, listen to me. I’ll be honest with Deputy Director Kim. This is a bit embarrassing, but is it a crime for a diplomat to bring a few roots of red ginseng from Korea and sell them to make pocket money? I’m not using state funds, I’m self-sufficient.”

“Senior, is that so?”

The Deputy Director turned on the recorder he was holding.

– We can bring in as much yen as we want through the diplomatic pouch of the Japanese Embassy.

– Ambassador Lee is working hard.

– Ambassador Lee is a prime minister candidate in the next government. And a presidential candidate in the one after that. You and I will be the heads of the intelligence agency.

It was a recording of the conversation between the 102nd Division Chief and the 202nd Division Chief.

Ambassador Lee became quiet.

The Deputy Director said.

“Senior, why are you suddenly so taciturn? Here are some pictures too. You take pictures well. They came out very well.”

They were photos of him contacting Japanese intelligence officers at restaurants and racetracks.

“You don’t have anything to sell, so you sell the country to Japan? Even though it’s Export Korea [a national slogan promoting exports], you’ve gone too far.”

“…”