The Inspector Is Getting Promoted! [EN]: Chapter 341

Prosecutor, You’re Going Places! – Episode 341

Election (10)

The long-awaited election day dawned.

Thanks to a good night’s sleep, I seemed to have recovered. The body aches were gone, but the headache persisted.

Still, it wasn’t unbearable.

“Let’s hurry up, get washed, and get out.”

“Okay.”

I took a reverent shower, as if performing a ritual cleansing. I dressed neatly in the clothes Han Ji-yu had picked out, and left the house.

Our polling place was an elementary school about 2 km away.

Holding hands with Han Ji-yu, we walked slowly, enjoying the mild winter air.

As expected, reporters were densely lined up at the entrance of the polling place.

They were probably there to film and interview me when I came to vote.

Today, campaigning was officially prohibited.

Instead of holding up four fingers as usual [a reference to his campaign number], I spread my hand wide, waved, and gave a light greeting.

There was quite a line before entering the polling place, so an impromptu interview began while waiting.

Of course, the reporters were probably aiming for this, but I pretended not to notice.

“How are you feeling right now?”

I probably seem very sensitive and irritable.

However, I put on a very calm and fake smile.

“I feel a mix of emotions. I’m excited, but also nervous.”

“If you win the presidential election, what is the first thing you want to do?”

“It would be standard to talk about policies, but…”

I smiled lightly, showing off my human side.

“I’m so tired, I just want to sleep. I want to sleep soundly.”

“Hahaha. Just looking at the dark circles under your eyes, I can tell how much you’ve suffered during the campaign.”

As we exchanged simple questions and answers, my turn approached.

I entered the voting booth.

Two candidates.

Without a moment’s hesitation, I firmly stamped the ballot for independent candidate Choi Seo-jun, number 4.

Carefully making sure it wouldn’t become an invalid vote.

Stomp-.

“Hoo.”

I neatly and precisely folded the ballot, put it in the ballot box, and came outside.

At the same time, a surveyor from PBC broadcasting [a fictional broadcasting company], conducting exit polls at the entrance, caught my eye.

I approached him with a nonchalant attitude and said.

“I voted for candidate number 4, Choi Seo-jun.”

He burst into laughter and nodded.

“Ahahaha. Yes, I’ll record that.”

While waiting for Han Ji-yu, a citizen approached me.

“Oh, Prosecutor! Could you take a picture with me?”

She held up her phone, her eyes sparkling.

“I just voted for number 4!”

“Oh, then I should take four pictures for you.”

“Thank you!”

After taking pictures with a few other citizens, Han Ji-yu came out and was waiting for me.

“Shall we go now that you’re done taking pictures?”

“Yeah.”

She subtly approached me, linked her arm with mine, and then.

“You’re more popular than me now, aren’t you?”

“Not yet.”

“I don’t think so?”

Han Ji-yu said half-jokingly, half-seriously, and then asked.

“Are you going straight back to the campaign headquarters now?”

“Yeah. You should rest a bit and come around dinner time.”

“No, I’ll just send Ji-hoon to my mother and come right away.”

“Then I’d be grateful.”

Han Ji-yu leaned her head on my shoulder and said.

“I feel like we’re going to win. I have a really good feeling.”

***

“Haa…”

I repeatedly took deep breaths.

It wasn’t a sigh of frustration.

It was just a feeling of being so nervous that I felt breathless.

“Candidate.”

At Yoon Seol-ha’s voice, I turned around and asked urgently.

“Did you check with the broadcasting station?”

“Yes. I just got a call saying that they are currently compiling the results in real-time and cannot confirm anything. They said to watch the exit poll results that will be released at 6 PM.”

“…Still 30 minutes left.”

The reason I was so fixated on the exit poll results was simple.

In the history of presidential elections, the exit poll results had never significantly differed from the actual election results.

Of course, there might be a difference of about 1% to 2% compared to the actual vote rate, but that was considered insignificant.

The sample itself was based on surveys of most of the people who actually voted, and since there were no racial divisions, the Bradley effect [where voters may misrepresent their views due to social desirability bias] was unlikely to occur.

If there was a significant difference in the exit poll results, it could be considered the same as the actual result.

“Candidate, would you like to take a calming pill?”

Go Joong-hyuk approached and carefully offered the medicine, but I shook my head.

“No. It wouldn’t look good if I took it and became too relaxed. There are a lot of broadcasting cameras here right now.”

Since the broadcasting stations didn’t know who would be elected, they had sent cameras to both Shin Dong-hyun’s campaign and mine.

Dozens of cameras were gathered near the TV where the vote count results would be displayed, to capture my reaction.

I couldn’t show weakness on election day.

I sat confidently in front of the camera.

Those suffocating 30 minutes passed, and finally, the announcer opened his mouth on TV.

-Yes. The exit poll results have just come in. Let’s check them right away.

A 5-second countdown appeared on the screen.

5.

4.

3.

2.

1.

And.

-Integrated Exit Poll Results from the Three Major Broadcasting Stations

-Candidate Number 1, Shin Dong-hyun of the Minkuk Party [a fictional political party]: 50.1%

-Candidate Number 4, Independent Choi Seo-jun: 49.9%

Sss.

I was breathless.

Usually, when the exit poll results were announced, one side would cheer and the other would be filled with despair, clearly dividing the atmosphere, but both here and at Shin Dong-hyun’s camp, which was shown on TV, the atmosphere was quiet.

Only the exclamations of surprise from the reporters, amazed by the close results, could be heard quietly.

“We can definitely turn this around.”

“This difference is as good as nothing.”

I knew that.

But I couldn’t hide the feeling of impatience.

“Let’s wait and see.”

The announcer on the screen calmly continued the broadcast.

-Next, we will announce the exit polls for the general election in each district. After that, the vote counting broadcast will continue…

***

Neck and neck.

No other word could describe this situation.

The vote count results continued to flip back and forth, creating an extraordinary spectacle.

But what was surprising was that the difference between the two never exceeded 1%.

They were fiercely contesting each other, constantly fluctuating between 49% and 51%.

As time passed, the winners of the general election in each district began to emerge one by one.

The more that happened, the more my heart tightened.

Then, the announcer’s voice was heard.

-The current vote rate is 50.3% for candidate Shin Dong-hyun and 49.7% for candidate Choi Seo-jun. And we have just received news that the vote count in Gangwon Province has been completed.

It’s manageable.

Gangwon Province is the stronghold of the Manse Party [a fictional political party].

In other words, Shin Dong-hyun’s votes.

If all of his votes have been counted and the difference is this small, it’s definitely possible to overcome it.

“Let’s watch a little longer.”

8 PM.

The vote count in Chungcheong Province was completed.

Following that, at 9 PM.

The vote count in Jeolla Province was completed.

The current vote rate is 49.6% for Shin Dong-hyun and 50.4% for me.

However, Gyeongsang Province, the stronghold of the Minkuk Party, still remained.

And at 10 PM.

The vote count in Gyeongsang Province ended.

Shin Dong-hyun had 50.1%, and I had 49.9%.

The same as the exit poll results.

It’s still manageable at this point.

Go Joong-hyuk also said, sweating in his hands.

“It’s okay. The real battle starts now.”

The remaining areas were Incheon and Gyeonggi, that is, the Seoul Metropolitan Area and Seoul.

The most fiercely contested region, where half of the country’s population is concentrated.

The difference could widen at any time.

But as time passed, I couldn’t help but feel my mouth drying up and my hands and feet sweating.

Ten minutes felt like an hour.

And at 11 PM.

The vote count in Gyeonggi Province and Incheon was completed.

The current vote rate has once again reversed.

Shin Dong-hyun has 49.8%.

I have 50.2%.

Now, all I have to do is hold on.

And finally, just past midnight.

The result was confirmed only when the vote count reached 98%.

-This is a PBC breaking news report. We have just received news that the 25th President has been confirmed.

My breath tightened, and I couldn’t breathe.

Please.

I closed my eyes without realizing it.

I was even about to seek the God I didn’t believe in.

With my hands clasped together, I listened to the announcer’s voice.

-The current vote rate of the counted votes is 49.2% for candidate number 1, Shin Dong-hyun of the Minkuk Party, and 50.8% for candidate number 4, Choi Seo-jun, confirming the election of Choi Seo-jun.

In that moment, everything went into slow motion.

The people in the campaign, including Yoon Seol-ha and Go Joong-hyuk, jumped up from their seats, and Han Ji-yu hugged me tightly.

At the same time, the world returned to its original speed.

“Woo-hoo!”

“Candidate!”

“We won!”

“Congratulations, Candidate!”

“Oh my god, we really won!”

All sorts of cheers pierced my ears, and a fanfare echoed in my ears.

“Haha…”

A light laugh burst out.

I didn’t know if it was a dream or reality.

I don’t think I’ve ever been this dazed in my life.

“Congratulations, honey.”

I came to my senses only after Han Ji-yu whispered sweetly in my ear.

And I saw the word ‘Elected’ clearly and largely printed under my face on the TV screen.

Yes.

Elected.

Finally.

Finally.

Finally, I’m the President.

“Choi Seo-jun! Choi Seo-jun! Choi Seo-jun!”

Those in the election camp began to chant my name, and I finally stood up from my seat and raised both fists high.

“We have won, everyone!”

“Waaaaa!”

A roar erupted.

My fists trembled.

It was exhilarating.

A thrill spreading from the depths of my heart.

I was convinced that no drug could be better than this.

I could feel my cheeks flushed and my heart beating faster.

“Thank you, thank you!”

“Candidate… no, Mr. President. Let’s give you a celebratory toss!”

At Go Joong-hyuk’s shout, the people in the election camp gathered around me as if they had been waiting for it.

Before I could say anything, my body was lifted into the air.

Then, in unison with the count of one, two, three, my body floated up.

High enough to touch the ceiling.

The first celebratory toss I had ever received in my life.

I didn’t know it felt this good.

I even thought, ‘I should have tried this more often if I had known.’

After a while, I finished the celebratory toss and stood upright on the floor.

“Congratulations, Candidate!”

Go Joong-hyuk bowed deeply.

“It’s thanks to you. Thank you so much.”

Then, I raised my head, looked at the other people in the camp, and shouted.

“It’s all thanks to you. Thank you.”

This time, I bowed deeply, and Yoon Seol-ha approached me with a bright smile.

“Candidate… no, Mr. President.”

It was a pleasant title just to hear.

President.

“Yes, Seol-ha.”

“You need to go give your victory speech.”

“It’s past midnight, will there still be citizens left?”

She smiled and showed me the screen where the local scene was being broadcast live.

The sight of citizens densely packed in Gwanghwamun Square.

They were watching my election victory on the large LED screen, chanting my name enthusiastically, waiting for me to arrive.

“The citizens must be cold and catching colds. Let’s go quickly.”

“I’ll prepare the car right away.”

“Okay. I’ll leave right away too.”

I headed to Gwanghwamun Square with a bright smile on my face.

The End and the Beginning

“Choi Seo-joon! Choi Seo-joon! President of the Republic of Korea, Choi Seo-joon!”

This car is definitely soundproof.

But even with the windows tightly closed, the cheers pierced through the soundproofing and into my ears.

A smile was constantly on my face.

No, it was there and wouldn’t go away.

If this is a dream, I’m so happy I never want to wake up.

But I know this isn’t a dream.

That’s why I can’t help but be even happier.

As the escort vehicles pushed through to the center of Gwanghwamun Square, the citizens, realizing I had arrived, waved the Korean flag [Taegeukgi] and cheered for me.

“Congratulations!”

“We love you, Mr. President!”

“Watching the election was more fun than the World Cup!”

“Long live the Republic of Korea!”

“Thank you, President Choi Seo-joon!”

A smile naturally spread across my face.

I wanted to lean out the window and respond to the cheers, but I only offered my thanks inwardly due to the bodyguard’s warning not to open the window in case projectiles were thrown.

Soon, I arrived at the center of Gwanghwamun Square and went up to the special stage prepared in advance by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

“Waaaaaah!”

A burst of cheers and applause.

I raised both arms high and greeted them.

After it subsided to some extent, I opened my mouth forcefully.

“Hello, this is Choi Seo-joon.”

I smiled brightly and introduced myself once more.

“I would like to formally greet you once again. I am Choi Seo-joon, the winner of the 25th presidential election!”

It’s exhilarating.

More than when I passed the bar exam.

More than when I married Han Ji-yu.

More than when I became the Prosecutor General!

Much more exhilarating!

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the voters who trusted me and voted for me. Thank you so much.”

I bowed deeply.

“Choi Seo-joon! Choi Seo-joon!”

The sound of chanting my name echoed continuously.

I couldn’t hide my smile.

No, I didn’t want to hide it.

Because tonight’s protagonist.

No, the protagonist for the next four years.

It will be me, Choi Seo-joon.

“I, Choi Seo-joon, stand here to announce the victory of the 25th presidential election and accept the election.”

Endorphins are pouring out.

Adrenaline is being secreted like crazy.

Yes, this is life.

This is Choi Seo-joon!

“I would also like to express my gratitude and sincere condolences to candidate Shin Dong-hyun, who competed with me.”

*Screw you, Shin Dong-hyun.*

“Even if I am elected, I will not lead the politics alone, but I will join hands with the candidates who competed together and accept what can be accepted to move towards a better Republic of Korea.”

*Since you’re going to get screwed, get screwed twice.*

“I will embrace both those who supported me and those who did not, and I will become a president who practices politics for all the people.”

A sense of inclusiveness, tolerance, and broad generosity as president to embrace even the opposition!

“I have only said one thing since the election campaign: Justice. I will make sure that justice is established in the Republic of Korea. A country for the people. I will create a country where the people are treated above the politicians, not the politicians above the people.”

Cheers erupted.

“A proud country where you can confidently carry the Korean flag even when you go abroad. I will create a country where happiness blossoms.”

It’s sincere.

I will create a country that does not bow down anywhere.

A powerful Republic of Korea.

That is my dream, my desire, and my political goal.

I took out the Korean flag [Taegeukgi] that I had prepared in advance from my chest and waved it vigorously.

A performance that none of the previous presidents had done.

A crazy roar of cheers pierced my ears.

I’m excited.

My heart is pounding.

I opened my mouth with the Korean flag [Taegeukgi] wide open.

“I was able to stand here because of you, the people. I think the only way to repay this gratitude is to implement excellent policies so that the Republic of Korea can become a better country. I will never disappoint you.”

I stretched out my arm vigorously and held up the Korean flag [Taegeukgi] high.

“For the next four years, I will make sure that you do not have an inch of regret for your choice. Even if you look back on it after time has passed, I will do my best to make you think, ‘I made a good choice when I voted back then.'”

Cheers erupted continuously.

“A Republic of Korea without corruption. A Republic of Korea that is good to live in. I will make the ideal, the utopia that you dream of, a reality!”

I shouted even more forcefully.

“I will create the best Republic of Korea!”

A huge roar of cheers and applause, enough to cover the sound spreading through the speakers, covered Gwanghwamun Square.

I stood the Korean flag [Taegeukgi] up, came out to the side of the platform, and bowed again at a 90-degree angle.

“Thank you!”

Then, to live up to people’s expectations, I stretched out both arms high and shook them vigorously.

Before I knew it, the headache and sensitive nerves were gone.

Then, only the emotions of happiness and joy filled my body.

At that moment, Han Ji-yu, who was crying and rejoicing next to the platform, caught my eye.

I approached her and hugged her tightly.

“Thank you so much, and I love you.”

Han Ji-yu nodded silently, and the cheers of the people erupted.

This scene was being broadcast live across the country, and I was reborn as the President of the Republic of Korea.

***

-Yes. The vehicle carrying President-elect Choi Seo-joon is now heading to the Blue House [Cheong Wa Dae – the executive office and official residence of the South Korean president] under the escort of the Blue House security team.

The sound of the broadcast rang in my ears.

February 2033.

After being elected last December, Shin Dong-hyun finished his work at the Blue House [Cheong Wa Dae] for two months, and finally, the day my term began was approaching, and I was heading to the Blue House [Cheong Wa Dae].

At that time, the blue-tiled house began to appear far beyond the hill.

The so-called Blue House [Cheong Wa Dae].

The Blue House [Cheong Wa Dae] where I will live for the next four years.

If I do well, I may stay for eight years with re-election.

Just imagining it makes me feel good already.

The car entered the Blue House [Cheong Wa Dae] smoothly.

The car never braked once from the time I left home until I arrived at the Blue House [Cheong Wa Dae].

This is the ‘protocol’ that is only performed for the president.

For the past two months, I have been receiving congratulatory greetings and phone calls every day, and I have recorded the moment of being elected president and watched it over and over, but it feels real now.

Entering the Blue House [Cheong Wa Dae] that I had dreamed of.

As the pinnacle of the Republic of Korea, the President.

I had a new feeling.

Who would have known that a snot-nosed country bumpkin from Gwangju would become president?

“Let’s go, Mr. President.”

“Let’s do that. Go Pro. No, now I have to call you Chief of Staff Go.”

Go Joong-hyuk smiled brightly and guided me.

I straightened my clothes and followed him into the Blue House [Cheong Wa Dae].

“The interior is nice too.”

“It gets better as you go inside.”

Go Joong-hyuk had stayed in the Blue House [Cheong Wa Dae] next to Park Hyung-tae when he was the Prime Minister, so he knew the interior well.

The place he followed me to was the Blue House [Cheong Wa Dae] banquet hall.

I remember coming here for the Prosecutor General’s appointment ceremony.

At that time, I was appointed by Shin Dong-hyun, but now it’s time to pass the baton.

Shin Dong-hyun had already arrived and was waiting for me.

I looked at him, smiled brightly, and approached him.

“Nice to meet you.”

Shin Dong-hyun forced a smile and shook hands.

“Yes.”

It seems that the word ‘nice’ did not come out of his mouth.

I said nonchalantly.

“Don’t worry about running the country in the future. I’ll take care of it well.”

He gritted his teeth and replied.

“……Please take good care of me.”

Because there were so many reporters attending the inauguration ceremony, he was gritting his teeth and managing his expression.

There is one reason why Shin Dong-hyun and I gathered here.

Because it is the place where the presidential inauguration ceremony will be held.

A simple agenda followed, and finally, it was my turn to take the oath.

“As the 25th President of the Republic of Korea, I swear to protect the safety of the nation and the people, and to do my best for the development of the Republic of Korea.”

I raised my head and stared at the large Korean flag [Taegeukgi] in front of me.

Then forcefully.

Very forcefully, I shouted.

“Before the proud Taegeukgi [Korean flag], I firmly pledge to be loyal to the boundless glory of a free and just Republic of Korea.”

For the boundless glory of the Republic of Korea.

For the boundless glory of the Republic of Korea.

For the boundless glory of the Republic of Korea!

For the boundless glory of Choi Seo-joon.

***

The Blue House [Cheong Wa Dae] office.

A black, ornate nameplate that read ‘President Choi Seo-joon’ was waiting for me.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

Chief of Staff Go Joong-hyuk opened his mouth slightly when he saw my smile.

“Ms. Yoon Seol-ha prepared the nameplate herself. I heard it was made of jade.”

Jade.

No wonder it looks much brighter and cooler than the nameplate from my days as Prosecutor General.

“Seol-ha is still traveling, right?”

“Yes. I heard she is in Canada right now.”

“Tell her to stop by the Blue House [Cheong Wa Dae] when she returns to Korea.”

“I understand.”

“Okay. Take a rest, Chief Go.”

“Yes. Please call me right away if you need anything.”

Silence fell in the office.

I stretched out both arms wide and took a deep breath.

This must be the air of the summit.

A smile appeared again.

I think I’m addicted to smiling.

I slowly walked around the office and touched the objects.

This is all the president’s.

That is, mine.

Then I stopped in front of my desk.

My eyes are drawn to the black, ornate nameplate.

I slowly stroked the six letters ‘President Choi Seo-joon’ and then went inside and sat down in the large chair.

It is softer and more comfortable than any chair I have ever sat in in the world.

In Korea, this is the throne.

I slowly closed my eyes and buried myself in the chair.

When I was very young.

I remembered what I looked like when I first entered elementary school.

In the days when I didn’t know anything, I said my dream was ‘President’.

And I made that dream come true.

I will in the future.

For the people.

For the country.

And for me, Choi Seo-joon.

I will do my best.

At first, I just wanted to become president out of spite, but now I have my own firm beliefs.

I will not just say it, but I will truly create a just Republic of Korea, a good Republic of Korea to live in.

I can do it.

I became president at the age of only forty-five, so what is impossible?

I slowly opened my eyes.

As expected, what unfolded in front of me was the President’s office.

I am the owner of this room.

I am.

The President of the Republic of Korea.

Epilogue

Knock knock.

I slowly opened my eyes to the sound of knocking.

“Come in.”

The door opened, and it was none other than my son.

“Dad!”

Choi Ji-hoon ran and hugged me.

“My son!”

I stroked the boy’s head and kissed him on the cheek.

“Dad, but I got a weird text.”

“Text?”

“Yeah. Look at this.”

The son took out his cell phone from his pocket and went into the text message box.

“I got a weird video on my way home from class.”

“What video? Shall we watch it together?”

“Wait a minute.”

Ji-hoon fiddled with his cell phone, but he pouted his lips because he couldn’t find the text.

“It definitely came… I can’t see the text now.”

“Really? Do you remember who sent it?”

“Um, I’m sure the sender was a number? Was it 15?”

《Prosecutor, you’re going to be successful!》 Ends