Chapter 428: Everything is According to the Candidate’s Will

One day before the presidential candidate registration.

In the National Assembly press room, a group of centrist party members led by Lee Myeong-su had gathered. Behind them stood Han Ji-ho, the leader of the conservative party, and the remaining members.

Numerous reporters waiting for them sprang into action, their flashes lighting up the room.

"Hello, fellow citizens. I am Lee Myeong-su of the Centrist Party."

Lee Myeong-su bowed deeply before continuing his speech.

Behind him, the members of the Centrist and Conservative parties stood like a backdrop.

"The Centrist and Conservative parties have resolved to unite to reform politics in Korea. The Centrist Party was founded following the intentions of candidate Yoon Chang-ho, who aimed to reform politics. However, the realities of politics have proven challenging. Those in power have not let go of what they possess so easily…"

Lee Myeong-su read the statement slowly, steadily.

"…thus, we have decided to rally together after the problematic politicians have departed from the Conservative Party and our Centrist Party. We aim to combine our strength to reform politics. The agreements made by the Centrist and Conservative parties are as follows."

Stepping aside, Lee Myeong-su allowed Han Ji-ho to take his place.

"Firstly, we will separate the powers of the Blue House and the political parties. Candidate Yoon Chang-ho has promised to resign from his presidency immediately following the elections and relinquish all authority with respect to the Centrist Party. Accordingly, we will convene a national convention to swiftly elect a new leadership after the presidential election."

A murmur spread through the gathered reporters.

This was due to the unprecedented and shocking statement.

Even President Kim Man-sam and Kim Hak-gwon, who formed a democratic government, did not relinquish their influence on the party.

But now, it was Yoon Chang-ho, who had the highest chance of winning, declaring the separation from the Blue House and the party.

"Secondly, we have agreed on political reform. We will distribute nominations fairly among party members. We aim for transparent politics that align with the people's expectations. We will advance toward genuine democracy in Korea, and to that end, we will establish a special committee for political reform."

Han Ji-ho continued to read out the ten agreements.

"The current Conservative Party is a sinner. It must vanish. But fellow citizens, please grant us a chance for redemption. Our Conservative Party, which has lasted fifty years, is now fading into history, becoming one with the Centrist Party. Fellow citizens, I ask for your trust one more time."

Finishing his statement, Han Ji-ho stepped aside and bowed.

The Conservative Party members behind him all bowed in unison as well.

Standing straight, Han Ji-ho stepped back, and Lee Myeong-su returned to the forefront.

"We will maintain the name of the Centrist Party until the elections end. However, after the presidential election, we will hold a national convention to change our party name and emerge as a new political entity. I urge fellow citizens to support candidate Yoon Chang-ho's reforms. Starting today, the Centrist Party and the Conservative Party are united."

As Lee Myeong-su concluded his remarks, Cheon Jeong-myung spoke.

"We will now proceed to the Q&A session. Please raise your hand if you have a question."

No sooner had he finished speaking than all the reporters in attendance raised their hands.

Cheon Jeong-myung pointed to one person, and that reporter stood up.

"I'm Jeong Han-yi from Gyeore Newspaper. When the Centrist Party was founded, its slogan was about revamping the two-party system of the Conservative and Progressive parties. The public responded, and the Centrist Party became the leading party in the National Assembly. Yet now, by combining with the Conservative Party, you are declaring a return to the two-party system. Is this reform?"

In response to the aggressive reporter's question, Lee Myeong-su calmly answered.

"That is correct. The reason for establishing the Centrist Party was to reform the two-party system. However, the reality has been quite tough. At times, we had to join hands despite differing opinions, and at other times, even when we shared opinions, we had to reject offers. Therefore, we resolved to pursue a two-party politics akin to the Democratic and Republican parties in the U.S., rather than the Korean-style two-party politics. That's why we decided to unite with the Conservative Party. We will demonstrate through creative destruction and innovative change. Please watch over us until the end."

Subsequent questions from various reporters flooded in, and as time dragged on, Cheon Jeong-myung capped the session and designated a reporter from Goryeo Daily.

"I'm Kang Jin-yong from Goryeo Daily. The unification of the Centrist and Conservative parties is, at best, a merger; isn't it more accurate to say that the Conservative Party is being absorbed by the Centrist Party?"

Though the reporter's tone was sharp, Lee Myeong-su had prepared for this.

Lee Myeong-su spoke with conviction, "The relationship between the Centrist and Conservative parties is not one of absorption."

He continued with a firm voice.

"Although it was not stated in the preceding agreements, I intend to propose the new chairman position of the united party to a respected elder from the Conservative Party. The Centrist Party is prepared to let go of its stronghold and welcome him into the leadership."

"Are you saying that the chairmanship will be handed over to someone from the Conservative Party?"

"Yes, this unification is not for any political gain. I want to reiterate that the decision was made solely for the sake of the citizens."

The reporters gathered in the press room murmured among themselves. Cheon Jeong-myung effectively ended the press conference.

"I will now conclude the Q&A session."

Lee Myeong-su and Han Ji-ho left the press room with serious expressions, followed by members of both parties.

"Secretary General, Chairman Han!"

The assembly reporters called out to them anxiously, but none turned back.

Disappointed, the reporters redirected their attention to Cheon Jeong-myung.

"Representative Cheon Jeong-myung, is it true that the hint is about the party chairman position being handed over to an elder from the Conservative Party? Is that possible?"

"Yes, it is true. Candidate Yoon Chang-ho mentioned that to embrace the Conservative Party, we must proceed this way. Everything is according to the candidate's will."

"You mean all of this is true?"

"Yes. For details, please refer to the press release that will soon be distributed. All the contents are included there."

Cheon Jeong-myung offered a final greeting before departing. The reporters from various media outlets began calling and tapping furiously on their laptops to relay the news.

And just like that, one day before the candidate registration, the abrupt announcement of the merger between the Centrist Party and Conservative Party came to an end.

[The merger of the Centrist Party and Conservative Party: Is it a signal for a political realignment or just another facade of old-style politics?]

[Candidate Yoon Chang-ho calling for reform politics! A candidate for the citizens!]

[Candidate Huh Tae-min states, 'The merger of the two parties is a decision that retreats democracy.']

Conservative media outlets started publishing favorable articles on the merger, while progressive media outlets began criticizing it.

It was Yoon Chang-ho who effectively seized the initiative.

The candidate registration had finally begun.

Centrist Party's Yoon Chang-ho was the first to complete his candidacy registration.

"Fellow citizens, I, Yoon Chang-ho, was ready to return to civilian life after my tenure as Prosecutor General. However, I could not stand idle in light of the regressive political actions, which compelled me to enter politics. Today, I declare my candidacy for the presidency to reform the politics of Korea."

Yoon Chang-ho made a lengthy declaration.

"I, Huh Tae-min, will continue President Kim Hak-gwon's policies and work for peace. I will do my utmost to safeguard the democracy that you have built with your hands."

Following this, Huh Tae-min also delivered his campaign speech.

"The economy of our country remains unstable. As seen in the recent credit card crisis, household debt continues to rise, while chaebols focus solely on their own interests. I, Song Chan-hyeok, born into a chaebol family and having given up everything to enter politics, will revive our economy as I successfully did during the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup bid and reform the chaebols, working to reduce household debt."

Finally, Song Chan-hyeok threw down his declaration.

The serious race for the presidency had finally begun.

* * *

With the official election schedule starting, external activities came to a halt.

My name being mentioned wouldn't yield any benefits, so I locked myself away in Pyeongchang-dong, directing everything by phone.

"Boss, candidates Huh Tae-min and Song Chan-hyeok have met."

As I expected, the two had come together.

Following yesterday's announcement of the polls, Yoon Chang-ho had rebounded from previously low approval ratings, now boasting over 50%.

Yoon Chang-ho was leading by a significant margin.

In this scenario, the only option left for Huh Tae-min and Song Chan-hyeok was a singular choice.

To attract public interest away from Yoon Chang-ho, they needed to generate a new issue.

Huh Tae-min and Song Chan-hyeok's unification was the only way.

Putting down the newspaper, I asked Manager Ma.

"Is the location as expected?"

"Yes."

I had already installed a listening device at the expected location, curious about what sort of discussions they might have.

"I wonder who they'll unify with…"

Delaying further would lessen the impact of the unification. Ultimately, they had to reach an agreement today, whether through concessions or polls.

To market it well, the polling method was ideal, but I would have to wait and see what results would emerge.

"Make sure that the Heavenly Group provides strong support from behind to prevent any issues during Yoon Chang-ho's election campaign."

"Yes, I will pass that along again."

"Oh, and let me know when the recording device gets passed over after the meeting."

"Understood."

As I issued the orders, it felt strange. I seemed busier now than when I was out handling matters.

After receiving a few more messages, Manager Ma left the study, and I pressed the button on my phone.

"Eva, have you received all the proxy documents?"

― Of course, boss. Just now, the last one was completed by JC Group.

It seemed they had finally pushed through. I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Why hold out when they were bound to do it anyway?"

― Right? But it seems like Seo Jae-sang took quite a hit to his pride.

"What does it matter if he's upset? It's funny how those without anything still act high and mighty. When Seo Yong-geon was present, they couldn't even breathe."

Eva chimed in, agreeing with my viewpoint.

― Have you experienced how Korean chaebols act, boss? Plus, Koreans place great importance on their firstborn. So, being the firstborn of the Seo family would amplify that. Yet what I found most amusing was them acting as if they're the owners when they possess holdings that are practically insignificant. Isn't that funny, boss?

I burst into laughter at Eva's words, and she let out a soft laugh on the other end.

I quickly composed myself and asked.

"Is there no problem with the shareholders' meeting?"

― Of course not. We've spent years preparing for this, boss. Now, even if the sky falls, we can bring Seo Jae-hoon down.

"Good. After the presidential election concludes, the media will start to move. Also, I plan to have Han Gyeong-yeong return to the country soon. Once this is over, I'll give a year off. Go on a trip or something."

― Really? This time it's for real, right, boss?

Eva's voice brightened. It occurred to me that I hadn't really given her a proper vacation.

"Yeah. For the time being, there won't be any major issues. You should take a year off."

― So great! Love you, boss!

"If anything unusual pops up, contact me right away."

This was an undertaking we'd been preparing for a long time.

Given that all preparations were already set in motion, there was no way to halt the momentum even if Seo Yong-geon got out of bed.

Ending the call with Eva, I picked up the newspaper on the table.

[Will the electoral structure of 'Yoon Chang-ho at first place and Huh Tae-min and Song Chan-hyeok at second' be broken or remain intact?]

Today, with just days remaining until the election, candidate Yoon Chang-ho sought out Gwangju, a bastion of the Progressive Party, while candidates Huh Tae-min and Song Chan-hyeok had yet to announce any official campaign schedules.

Looking solely at the current approval ratings, both Huh Tae-min and Song Chan-hyeok had a very slim chance of winning the election.

The only strategic move that could overturn this presidential election was the unification of the two candidates. Whether or not they can achieve that is the focal point of attention.

Everyone expected a victory for Yoon Chang-ho. The only variable pointed out was the unification of Huh Tae-min and Song Chan-hyeok.

After putting down the newspaper, I leaned back against the sofa and closed my eyes.

'Huh Tae-min and Song Chan-hyeok.'

Whether to intervene in their unification or to simply let things unfold would depend on what kind of conversation they held during their meeting.

As time passed into night, a report emerged that the two had finished their meeting.

Along with the report, Manager Ma entered holding a CD.

"Let's listen to what sort of conversation they had."

After Manager Ma inserted the CD into the player, their conversation soon began to echo.

― Good to see you, candidate Song Chan-hyeok.

― Nice to meet you, candidate Huh Tae-min.