Chapter 607: A Rather Disheartening Exchange

There was no longer any reason to talk with the Japanese ambassador, who held no real decision-making power.

Engaging in diplomatic rhetoric accompanied by ridiculous threats would only leave me with a sore tongue.

It was far better to speak directly with the real decision-maker, the Prime Minister of Japan.

"I see you're not answering. I will take my leave now."

"Kim Sang!"

"Make sure to clearly convey to Prime Minister Koizumi that I won't be swayed by silly threats. Test my resolve by trying to interfere with my business anytime. You'll see how I respond. If necessary, I'll simply pull my investments from Japan, given how minimal their share is in my dealings. But would that really be beneficial for Japan?"

Toshiyaki's face turned an ashen white at my firm ultimatum.

I engraved that expression in my mind and stood up.

"K-Kim Sang…"

To send an incompetent person who couldn't even grasp my stance was quite disappointing.

No, Koizumi must have specifically instructed them not to underestimate me.

Yet, the ones who outright dismissed me were certainly trapped in their stereotypes, ignoring Koizumi's guidance.

This was the typical mindset of Japanese bureaucrats, and it highlighted the limitations of their politicians.

Even if Korea's economic and military strength climbs up to their necks. No, even if Korea were to defeat Japan, they'd continue to look down on us.

After glancing down at Toshiyaki, who was calling for me with an emotionless gaze, I clicked my tongue.

"Either ignore me thoroughly, or bow your head completely. Just choose one. Don't try to negotiate while clinging to a false sense of pride."

At this crucial moment, I had no intention of entertaining Japan's obstinacy. I turned away.

Heavy footsteps.

As I strode confidently toward the exit, I heard Toshiyaki shout anxiously behind me.

"K-Kim Sang! I'll contact the Prime Minister!"

I paused and turned back. Silently glaring at him, Toshiyaki bowed his head and gestured to the chair.

"Please sit. I will contact the Prime Minister right away."

He should have done this sooner. I resumed my pace and took my seat.

I crossed my legs and nodded at Toshiyaki.

"Make the call immediately."

I crossed my arms as I watched Toshiyaki repeatedly bow his head while taking out his phone.

I needed a moment to gather my thoughts.

'Just attending this meeting must be a disgrace for Japan… Even if they do attend, they likely won't even have a voice.'

What can I propose that will meet both President Yoon Chang-ho's approval and be beneficial for me?

I had to find that intersection and suggest it.

Simply accepting this proposal for my benefit was too visible, and too many nations were involved.

"Kim Sang. The Prime Minister wishes to speak with you."

At Toshiyaki's call, I extended my hand.

I hadn't decided on any terms yet, but avoiding contact wasn't an option.

— Kim Mu-hyeok, sir. It's been a while.

It was Prime Minister Koizumi's voice, heard after a long time.

"It's been a while, Prime Minister Koizumi. Wasn't the last conversation one where you decided to handle things on your own? I thought you had forgotten about me until now."

— "Please don't misunderstand. The domestic situation is far too complicated for me to pay attention to you, Mr. Kim. However, I am monitoring the companies you've invested in Japan closely."

"Are you doing that for a good reason? Or a bad one?"

My straightforward response was met with silence on the other end.

I pressed on.

"Prime Minister, I thought our relationship was decent. Although our goals were different, we worked together to remove Japan's cancerous growth. So why am I being treated this way? Russia and China don't act this way towards me; why does it have to be unique to Japan? It makes no sense. Isn't reciprocation the foundation of human relations and trade?"

— "Mr. Kim, it seems there's a misunderstanding. Our relationship isn't bad at all. If anything, it's a good one…"

Even without seeing him, I could vividly picture Koizumi being anxious on the other end of the line.

"No, it's not a misunderstanding. The way you sent your messenger, Toshiyaki, to me and how he's treating me shows otherwise. Are you under the impression that the Japanese government can ask for whatever they want? We are business partners; we are not subordinates. And where did you learn such empty threats?"

Since I had deliberately turned up the phone's volume, it was clear our conversation could be overheard.

Seeing Toshiyaki's wide-eyed panic confirmed it for me.

Toshiyaki's eyes were as big as they could get. Watching him, I smirked.

"Would you like me to show you what a proper threat looks like? Surely you know who I am better than anyone, having dealt with me in person, Prime Minister?"

— "Threat? What are you talking about? How could I possibly threaten Mr. Kim?"

Toshiyaki's words weren't Koizumi's orders. As I suspected, this was a unilateral act on Toshiyaki's part.

Me, humiliated, by someone like this? Perhaps I should have stomped them down harder back then?

I clicked my tongue, looking at Toshiyaki, whose face was flushed.

"Toshiyaki told me that if I didn't cooperate, it might cause problems with the business I have going on in Japan."

— "…Is that true? I never gave such orders. I simply asked him to persuade Mr. Kim to attend this meeting. I stressed that no small mistakes should be made before you…"

"I don't know. Is it that the Prime Minister gave the orders and then retracted them, or did Toshiyaki act on his own? Regardless, it is true that the ambassador has made such statements."

— "No! Absolutely not! It was never my intention! Why would I have a reason to do such a thing? We are on the same side, as Mr. Kim mentioned!"

Koizumi's panicked voice was laden with embarrassment.

"Hmm…"

I deliberately trailed off, glancing at Toshiyaki, who was sweating profusely.

"It wouldn't be right to simply dismiss it as Toshiyaki's solo act. After all, it came from the mouth of the ambassador to South Korea."

— "I apologize, Mr. Kim. I'll take responsibility. So please clear up this misunderstanding. I'll have the ambassador reassigned immediately."

It was apparent that without any prior discussion, Toshiyaki's head was on the chopping block.

At this point, it would likely be best to halt the pressure on the Prime Minister. Pushing further would yield no results.

"This time, I'll let it go. Since you've gone this far, there's no reason for me to push it. However, I hope this doesn't happen again. Once is a mistake, but not twice. Let's not create grievances on either side, Prime Minister."

I could hear Koizumi repeatedly thanking me from the other end.

I glanced at my watch on my wrist and decided to get to the crux of the matter.

"I'm sorry, but I'm rather short on time. So let's wrap this up quickly. You want to send a delegation from the Japanese government to the five-country summit in a few days?"

— "Yes, I have informed the governments of Korea and the U.S. about our intentions, but there's been no response. More accurately, the Korean government has firmly declined, while the U.S. government responded that they respect the Korean government's stance."

From the U.S.'s perspective, there was no reason to upset the South Korean government by insisting on Japan's participation.

I had driven the negotiations, and since the North Korean issue was to be primarily led by South Korea, it seemed Japan's proposal had been denied.

However, if the South Korean government were to allow the Japanese government to participate, I was certain that the U.S. would welcome them with open arms.

A three vs. two dynamics would be less visually appealing than a three vs. three scenario.

"Indeed. But why tell me this? I'm not a decision-maker, just a businessman."

— "Such humility is unnecessary, Mr. Kim. Don't you think you have the capacity to sway the South Korean government's mind? If you're set on it, that is. I'm not mistaken, am I?"

"Hmm… Even if it were possible, what reason do I have to do so? I can't find any justification for it. Do you know the reason? If you do, please share it with me."

Silence fell on the line. So, they're just expecting to gain without giving anything, are they?

"You can't honestly expect to attend while throwing a tantrum like a child without offering anything, can you? Why would someone like you act this way?"

— "…Mr. Kim, this would be beneficial for us, but it would be even greater for the South Korean government. Isn't it better to have two allies rather than one?"

Well, he wasn't wrong. Prime Minister Koizumi's words had their merit.

However, now that all under-the-table negotiations had concluded, the outcome wouldn't change regardless of who attended.

Koizumi surely wouldn't be unaware of this fact.

Yet, in politics, what matters is what gets presented. He desperately needed a political show right now.

"Well, I'm not sure. Perhaps you're right, Prime Minister. However, that seems to be a matter between the South Korean and Japanese governments, and not one for me to involve myself in."

— "Mr. Kim, please, lend us your strength. If you have any requests, I'll do my best to accommodate them. If Japan isn't present at this important meeting, my political position will naturally weaken."

He seemed quite pressed. He appeared to be in a more politically tumultuous situation than I had expected.

"Is Japanese domestic politics in disarray?"

— "Yes, indeed. The far-right is trying to rear its head again. They're pressing me by openly challenging the idea of relinquishing Takeshima. For our delegation to attend this summit is crucial, and we must also resolve our issues with North Korea."

"But the far-right factions no longer have a focal point, do they? Didn't we clean that all up back then?"

At my question, Koizumi sighed deeply.

— "Even without a focal point, politicians can always act from self-interest and adopt far-right stances. Far-right parties are again emerging in force. This is something I must attend to, even for the next national election. So please, tell me what you desire."

"What makes you think I would know what to ask for?"

— "That's how urgent this is. The summit isn't far off, is it? As long as it doesn't involve unreasonable demands, I'm willing to listen to you."

What could be mutually beneficial for me and Yoon Chang-ho?

While listening to him, my mind raced.

"I can't make any promises. However… I will look into it. After I consult with President Yoon Chang-ho, I will reach out."

— "I appreciate it. I trust you'll do so, and I will prepare in advance."

"I'll contact you. For now, goodbye… Oh, let me pass the ambassador to you."

Before saying farewell to Koizumi, I noticed Toshiyaki, whose face had turned a ghostly white.

First, I'll deal with this. I handed my phone to Toshiyaki and stood up.

"Please make the call. I'll take my leave now."

I notified Toshiyaki and exited the room.

The staff member from the secretarial office who had brought us was waiting at the front.

"I need to see President Yoon Chang-ho. Please lead the way."

"What? You mean right now? The President is with Jang Seong-taek…"

"I'm aware. I was on my way to join them, but an encounter with the Japanese ambassador delayed me. I must attend now."

"That's beyond my authority."

"Just guide me. The Chief Secretary should be present."

The flustered staff member nodded and led me back to the banquet hall.

As we approached the area where Yoon Chang-ho had entered, the Chief Secretary, standing guard, widened his eyes.

"Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok, what brings you here…?"

"I have something to discuss with the President."

"At the moment…"

"If you relay my message, he'll let me in."

The Chief Secretary hesitated, then nodded.

"Please wait a moment."

I stood patiently as the Chief Secretary went in to get permission.

A moment later, the Chief Secretary opened the door and whispered to me.

"The President asks you to come in."

I nodded slightly in acknowledgment to the Chief Secretary and stepped inside.

Inside, Yoon Chang-ho, Jang Seong-taek, and Song Chan-woo were seated together.

I greeted them with a smile.

"Seeing the two of you face to face brightens my mood."