Chapter 612: It Makes Sense

Delegations from each country began to gather one by one for the six-party talks.

The first to arrive was Lee Myeong-su. Reporters waiting outside the conference hall spotted him and immediately fired off their questions.

"Representative Lee Myeong-su! What is the main agenda for today's talks? And the representatives from the six nations look quite impressive—what does it mean for you to be the representative for South Korea?"

Lee Myeong-su responded with a smile.

"I can't disclose the main agenda. Once the talks conclude and a joint agreement is reached among the six nations, we'll have time to explain everything then. However, depending on the outcome of today's discussions, the situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia will differ dramatically from the past."

After addressing the first question, Lee Myeong-su turned to the second.

"As for why I've become the representative for South Korea, it's simply because President Yoon Chang-ho determined that, having handled the inter-Korean summit and these six-party talks, I am the most suited for this role. I understand the significance of this discussion better than anyone and will take this heavy responsibility to heart as we proceed. I aim to deliver positive results to the people and to the President."

After finishing his calm remarks, Lee Myeong-su lightly bowed his head.

Though reporters continued to ask various questions, Lee Myeong-su did not provide clear answers.

"With less than a month until the elections, there's widespread discontent in your district as campaign efforts seem sidelined with so much going on. Do you have any message for your constituents?"

Lee Myeong-su was both the party secretary-general and a politician campaigning for election.

Although it was the perfect time for campaigning, coordinating the summit and the six-party talks left him unable to conduct a proper campaign.

This situation had sparked talk within his district, and the reporter pinpointed it.

Wiping the smile from his face, Lee Myeong-su answered with a serious expression.

"As you mentioned, I am a member of the National Assembly. I, too, wish to campaign. However, it is also true that members of the National Assembly should aim for the public good. I'm attending this conference with the belief that I'm contributing to the nation and its people. Even if this could cost me in the National Assembly elections, I won't have any regrets."

His resolute and weighty words left the reporters in a hush.

Despite not campaigning at all, Lee Myeong-su still maintained a considerable lead over the Progressive Party candidate.

Therefore, he displayed a confident image befitting a young assemblyman.

"I'll be heading in now."

After bowing, Lee Myeong-su entered the hall, and soon the delegations from various countries began to arrive.

They went directly into the conference room without answering the reporters' questions.

A somber atmosphere enveloped the conference room, which had a long table set in the middle.

To the left of the South Korea representative sat the U.S. representative, while the right side was occupied by the Japanese representative.

In the center on the opposite side sat the North Korean representative, with the Russian representative to his left and the Chinese representative to his right.

Strangely, without an interpreter present, all discussions were conducted in English.

"Thank you all for making the trip to Seoul."

Lee Myeong-su opened the proceedings.

"I sincerely hope we can reach a beneficial agreement today."

Smiling gently, Lee Myeong-su looked around the table at the representatives.

The U.S. was represented by Secretary of State Powell, and Japan was represented by Yoshihide Suga, the Chief Cabinet Secretary.

Russia sent Medvedev, the administrative officer, while China sent Premier Wen Jiabao himself.

The commitment from each nation was evident just by looking at the attending representatives.

"Since Japan's attendance was confirmed so suddenly, I believe we need to adjust the agenda first."

Lee Myeong-su's words elicited a visible discomfort from Wen Jiabao.

"We accepted this request because it came from both the South Korean and North Korean governments, but was there really a need to include Japan?"

Choi Ryong-hae, responding with an awkward smile, replied to the question.

Although he was puzzled by Jang Seong-taek's insistence, it was an order from the Supreme Leader, so he couldn't refuse China.

"The Chairman expressed that for this to be a legitimate discussion, Japan should participate. I'll offer this apology on his behalf."

As Choi Ryong-hae bowed slightly, Wen Jiabao coughed lightly.

In fact, it was a meaningless gesture meant to show discomfort to everyone present.

"Since the Chairman of the General Political Bureau has mentioned it, I shall let it slide."

At that moment, Medvedev spoke up.

"Japan is indeed a neighboring country to the Korean Peninsula, so I have no objections to them being involved. However, I do think there's an issue with the methodology employed."

Medvedev spoke with a flat, toneless voice.

Powell responded to Medvedev's comments.

"The U.S. has argued for Japan's involvement from the outset. But due to opposition from the South Korean and North Korean governments, we couldn't push it through. Still, if both parties want Japan to attend, it wouldn't be right for us to block it, would it?"

"Nonetheless, isn't this too abrupt? Japan's involvement at this stage, after all negotiations have already been completed, will only create confusion."

"Japan won't be making any statements on pre-agreed matters."

"Well… if that's the case."

This was merely a formal gesture to show that negotiations were concluded, indicating Japan's role would simply be to occupy an empty seat.

Medvedev nodded in agreement.

Watching this, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga continuously wiped the sweat from his forehead, feeling as though he was sitting on pins and needles.

Powell turned to Suga and asked.

"Suga-san, are you alright with this?"

"Yes? Yes, that's correct. Our Japanese government will not raise any objections regarding previously agreed upon matters."

Once Yoshihide Suga finished speaking, the formal talks between the six nations commenced in earnest.

* * *

I was waiting for a call in my study while reading materials about Kim Seok-hoon.

"He has quite an interesting past."

While not in the military now, Kim Seok-hoon had spent his youthful days in a juvenile detention center.

He enlisted as a non-commissioned officer as soon as he turned 20 and served for four years.

After his discharge, he immediately became the road manager for Cheon Ji-young, following her schedule closely.

While the actual schedule was managed by his superior, the director, Kim Seok-hoon was the person who spent the most time with Cheon Ji-young.

"Is he a trustworthy person?"

"Yes. Apparently, he had a good reputation even within the 707th Special Forces Unit. He consistently ranked among the top performers in training, and when he was discharged, his superiors were even reluctant to let him go."

The 707th Special Forces Unit wasn't well-known to the public, but it was the top special forces in the country.

"Does that make him a reliable friend?"

Manager Ma, contemplating my question for a moment, replied.

"It's hard to say for certain whether he's reliable yet. However, he seems capable of fulfilling his role in protecting Miss Cheon Ji-young safely."

Although they provided security for Cheon Ji-young at Black Secret, they weren't able to conduct close protection.

Their goal was to monitor Cheon Ji-young from a distance.

Thus, I worried about their ability to cope in a critical situation… until I learned that a special forces-trained manager was following her, which reassured me somewhat.

"What's his relationship with Director Lee Seok-ki?"

"They've known each other since childhood as senior and junior in the neighborhood."

They've known each other since childhood? Did Director Lee Seok-ki also get into trouble back then?

"Did Director Lee Seok-ki also serve time in a juvenile center?"

"Not at all. Director Lee Seok-ki was a friend who followed an elite path. He came from a good family. While I don't know how they became friends, it's said that after Kim Seok-hoon left juvenile detention, he helped Lee Seok-ki study until his military enlistment. This helped him pass his high school diploma and enlist as a non-commissioned officer."

"I see."

I drummed my fingers on the desk, deep in thought. Naturally, I couldn't help but be concerned about someone who was close to Cheon Ji-young.

"Director Lee Seok-ki…"

Stopping my fingers, I said.

"I need to meet with Director Lee Seok-ki. Please make an appointment for a time after the summit schedule wraps up."

"Understood, Boss."

After giving my instructions, I checked my wristwatch.

"This is taking longer than expected. The results of the talks should be coming out soon…"

The talks, which began in the morning, continued into the afternoon after lunch.

Having already agreed on most matters behind the scenes, the lengthy discussions suggested something must have gone awry…

What kind of variables might have emerged? I need to contact Myeong-su right after it concludes to find out.

"Please step outside for a moment."

Manager Ma, with his head down, left the study. I dismissed him and checked the calendar.

"Grandma's birthday is coming soon."

I pondered what gift to give and decided it would be best to throw a grand celebration for my grandma, who would be turning eighty this year.

Since I didn't get to host her 60th and 70th birthday celebrations, I should certainly host a big one for her 80th.

My calendar was full with scheduled appointments right up until the day before her birthday.

After staring at the calendar for a while, I stood up and walked over to the sofa.

I put my phone down on the table, settled into a comfortable position, and rubbed my eyes. My eyelids felt heavy.

"I'm tired. I should take a breather."

I closed my eyes immediately.

How much time had passed? The phone on the table rang loudly.

I quickly opened my eyes and, checking the screen, picked up the call.

"Oh, Myeong-su. Is it over?"

A deep sigh came through the receiver, then Myeong-su spoke in a heavy voice.

― Phew… It just ended. We're drafting the joint agreement right now. Once it's ready, we'll send a statement to the media under the names of the six nations.

"So it'll contain the same contents as the original proposal?"

― Yeah. There's not much that changed. Some details were adjusted but, in a broad sense, nothing has shifted.

Hearing this, I let out a sigh of relief without even realizing it.

Great! If this joint statement gets released to the world, a major obstacle to economic cooperation between North and South will be removed.

Of course, this could all fluctuate depending on domestic political circumstances, but that was a minor issue we could tackle later.

― But Secretary of State Powell was adamant. He insisted on getting the joint agreement done today.

"Well, the U.S. is invested in this agreement more than anyone else, so it makes sense."

― If North Korea permanently shuts down its nuclear facilities and we monitor their nuclear program properly, we've agreed to lift them from the list of states supporting terrorism and supply 1 million tons of heavy fuel oil as well as energy aid from the five nations.

If they just give up their nuclear program, North Korea would gain a lot.

Jang Seong-taek would surely be grinning from ear to ear.

"So, South Korea is mostly footing the bill?"

― Exactly. But surprisingly, Japan requested an increase in its share! It caught me off guard.

I laughed loudly.

I guess Japan is feeling anxious. They must really need that deal if they're asking for a larger share.

"So, did you agree?"

― Are you crazy? I can't just agree to that. Ah, I have to get back in now. It seems we're wrapping things up. I'll call you later. The joint statement will likely be announced soon, so you can check the news.

Myeong-su hurriedly ended the call.

I placed my phone down and called Manager Ma over.

"Manager, let's watch together. The joint statement should be announced soon. The contents of this statement will determine the direction of our future enterprises."

Manager Ma turned on the TV and took his seat.

They were already broadcasting live from the venue in a special program.

After about ten minutes, the representatives from the six nations appeared before the reporters.

Lee Myeong-su, as the representative, spoke to the press.

― Today's talks have been a fruitful opportunity to narrow the substantial differences between our nations…

Lee Myeong-su continued his remarks.

― The joint statement we've adopted here today encompasses the establishment of a peace framework on the Korean Peninsula, solutions to the North Korean nuclear issue, as well as economic cooperation between South and North Korea. We will now announce the joint statement.