Chapter 613: It Seems I Got Rewarded for My Efforts

The core framework of the statement issued by Lee Myeong-su primarily focused on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, establishing a peaceful regime, normalizing relations between South Korea and Japan, as well as North Korea and Japan, and economic cooperation.

In particular, the U.S. promised not to attack or invade with nuclear weapons or even conventional arms. This was a significant retreat from their previous stance, even if not a full guarantee of regime security.

Taking a deep breath, Lee Myeong-su began to read the statement.

— First, the six countries agreed that the goal of the six-party talks is to achieve the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through peaceful means.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea pledged to abandon all nuclear weapons and nuclear weapon programs, return to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons without delay, and comply with the safety measures of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Furthermore, the U.S. promised not to deploy nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula and assured that it has no intention of attacking or invading the Democratic People's Republic of Korea with nuclear or conventional weapons.

The Republic of Korea declared that it has no nuclear weapons on its territory and committed to not deploying any in the future.

Lee Myeong-su paused briefly, scanning his surroundings.

Not even a flash went off, and the atmosphere was eerily silent.

— Second, the six countries united in their commitment to uphold the norms recognized in international relations through the goals and principles of the UN Charter.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the U.S. will respect each other's sovereignty and take steps toward normalizing relations peacefully.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Japan agreed to hold a summit to address all issues arising from their troubled past and present while normalizing relations between the two countries.

The statement continued on.

— Third, the six countries are committed to enhancing economic cooperation in the fields of energy, trade, and investment.

South Korea, the U.S., the Russian Federation, Japan, and China pledged to provide energy support to North Korea.

The scale of assistance would be approximately one million tons of heavy oil annually, and the South Korean government promised to supply North Korea with 2 million kilowatts of electricity.

South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea agreed to comprehensive cooperation in the Kaesong Industrial Complex and the Mt. Kumgang tourism sector.

Throughout the proceedings, Choi Ryong-hae, who had maintained a stoic expression, slightly nodded at this point.

— Fourth, the six countries welcomed the economic opening of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and committed to supporting it.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea designated Nampo City, Sinuiju, Rason, and Kaesong as special economic zones, inviting South Korea to develop Nampo and Kaesong, China for Sinuiju, and Russia for Rason.

In response, the relevant parties promised to finalize the details through separate agreements.

Before concluding the statement, Lee Myeong-su looked up to meet the gaze of the reporters.

His eyes sparkled with intellect and ambition.

— Fifth, the six countries pledged to work together for lasting peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

To this end, they agreed to hold the Korean Peninsula Peace Forum annually in November.

The second Korean Peninsula Peace Forum is scheduled to take place in early November in Pyongyang, as decided in a consultation meeting.

After Lee Myeong-su concluded his statement, the representatives of each country gripped each other's hands and smiled at the reporters.

In a bid to capture this historic moment, not only Korean reporters but also foreign press photographers were eagerly pressing their shutters.

Having taken enough photos, the representatives released each other's hands.

They then entered without taking any questions from the reporters.

"It's just the beginning now."

I didn't take my eyes off the six country representatives until they disappeared from the cameras.

"Boss. Congratulations!"

"It's just the beginning. There's still a long way to go. We reached a basic agreement, but international politics rarely unfolds as agreed. We need to push forward with business while the atmosphere is favorable."

I smiled faintly at Manager Ma's congratulatory words and stretched out, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

"Still, it feels good. I believe I've reaped rewards for my efforts. I worked hard to ensure the success of this initiative."

As I got up, I glanced down at Manager Ma, who was rarely seen smiling.

* * *

Yoon Chang-ho, watching the joint statement from the Blue House, had one side of his mouth turned up in a smirk.

"Congratulations, Mr. President."

In response to the secretary's compliments while they were watching the news together, Yoon Chang-ho laughed loudly.

"Yeah! Everyone worked hard. But this isn't the end. It's just the beginning. Don't let your guard down. Remember my words."

"Yes, Mr. President."

This six-party talks marked the starting point for the end of hostility.

With the joint statement as a kickoff, the Korean Peninsula needed to set aside its long-standing rivalry and move forward together.

"How many hours until the third meeting with Chairman Jang Seong-taek?"

"Two hours remaining."

Upon hearing the secretary's reply, Yoon Chang-ho nodded slowly.

By then, his smile had faded, leaving only fatigue on his face.

"I need a moment alone. I'm stepping out for now."

The secretary got up from his seat and bowed.

"Call me if you need anything."

Yoon Chang-ho merely nodded in response.

With the secretary gone, the office fell into silence.

Yoon Chang-ho sighed deeply while fiddling with his phone on the table.

After a moment of resolve, he dialed a number.

After a few rings, a voice came through.

"Congratulations, Mr. President."

At Kim Mu-hyeok's words of congratulations, a broad smile returned to Yoon Chang-ho's face.

"What are you talking about? You are the one who worked hard. It's all thanks to Boss Kim."

"If I keep being humble, wouldn't that feel awkward? Yes, this time I did work quite hard. So please don't forget my contributions, Mr. President."

At Kim Mu-hyeok's playful words, Yoon Chang-ho couldn't help but burst into laughter.

His laughter echoed in the office for a while. Once he calmed down, Yoon Chang-ho spoke.

"The non-invasion pledge from the U.S. will definitely please Chairman Jang Seong-taek. Don't you think?"

"That seems likely, doesn't it? Although it's not a full guarantee of regime security, the non-invasion pledge is essentially endorsing Chairman Jang Seong-taek's regime."

This bold proposal reportedly astonished both China and Russia.

During the Cold War, how hard did the communist countries, including the Soviet Union, fight to secure a non-invasion pledge from the U.S.?

Yet the U.S. never made such a statement.

Moreover, the six countries agreed to hold annual peace forums for the Korean Peninsula.

One might dismiss it as a trivial forum, but the significance lies in the fact that the U.S., representing the liberal camp, and Russia, representing the authoritarian camp, will come together each year to discuss affairs.

The mere fact that Korea is participating in that forum could wield considerable influence in international politics.

Including Korea in that forum itself afforded Yoon Chang-ho a significant political and historical achievement.

As if sensing his thoughts, Kim Mu-hyeok addressed him in a serious tone.

"This is just the beginning, Mr. President. It must not end as an empty cry. Ultimately, further statements from the leaders of the North and South will be necessary."

"Yes, that makes sense. Today I've got my final meeting with Chairman Jang Seong-taek, and I'll be discussing privately without anyone else present. Tomorrow, we're planning to issue a joint statement for the North and South."

"I look forward to good results."

"You can count on it. And… I also have a good gift for you."

"A good gift?"

Kim Mu-hyeok seemed taken aback, perhaps not expecting this.

Smiling faintly, Yoon Chang-ho continued.

"You know you're preparing to build a luxury residential complex where the Eunmi Apartments used to be, right?"

"You know about that? Yes, that's correct. But all the necessary permits have been granted, and the demolition is underway."

Yoon Chang-ho had already been informed of this as well.

"I know. I heard it was meant to be a 38-story building rising about 150 meters. Is that true?"

"Yes. It's likely due to the airspace safety regulations that impose height limits. The agreed height with the Seoul city government is 150 meters for 38 stories."

"I'll lift that restriction."

A brief silence lingered over the line. After a moment, Kim Mu-hyeok cautiously asked in a subdued voice.

"Are you… pushing your luck?"

"Not at all. That's the least I can do. I know how much care you've put into this matter. I'll announce it after the election's over. But, keep in mind it won't be lifted for every block, just for one block. Build yourself a proper landmark for Seoul."

"Thank you, Mr. President."

"Once Chairman Jang Seong-taek returns to Pyongyang, we can discuss it further, but for now, I'll hang up."

"Yes. I'll be looking forward to it."

After hanging up, Yoon Chang-ho fiddled with the disconnected phone.

He soon chuckled softly.

"He's so coy, it's infuriating. He never asks for what he needs. He just expects me to figure it out…"

Even after he became president, Kim Mu-hyeok never asked for any special favors.

Or rather, he carefully built up his own achievements.

Thanks to that, Kim Mu-hyeok's rewards also increased, but it was close to being solely his accomplishment.

He never once made requests of me while I was redeveloping the area around the Eunmi Apartments.

"That's why it's both trustworthy and, on the other hand, more frightening."

I'd rather he openly demanded something; that would be less unsettling.

But since he doesn't, the fear and frustration just grow day by day.

Lost in thought, Yoon Chang-ho checked the time and got up to meet Jang Seong-taek.

* * *

While Yoon Chang-ho and Jang Seong-taek were holding their final meeting, I was having dinner with Kissinger.

"The non-invasion pledge was unexpected."

I said as I wiped my mouth. Kissinger raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? Was it a surprise event? Were you quite shocked?"

Nodding at Kissinger's playful question, I replied.

"Yeah, even I didn't anticipate President Bush would go this far. I wanted a peaceful atmosphere but the non-invasion pledge provides only passive security for the North Korean regime. I can imagine the Neocons must have resisted heavily."

Kissinger chuckled and set down his utensils.

"What of it? The moment he withdraws, control over the Korean Peninsula would completely shift to China and Russia. Do the Neocons have any sharp solutions? The North Korean government offered a conciliatory gesture first. But is it wise to threaten such a regime with force? That's a self-defeating strategy."

"Still, please convey my gratitude to President Bush. I intend to return the favor, without a doubt."

"Return the favor…?"

Kissinger gazed at me thoughtfully, as if contemplating what I could put on the table.

"Please inform him that I'm willing to offer the same amount of sponsorship for this election campaign as I did for the last presidential election."

"President Bush will appreciate that. I heard the Dream High sponsorship was the largest during the last election. To offer that level of financial support again is surely bold."

Kissinger laughed while wiping his hands with a napkin.

"But focusing solely on one side might not be advisable. Washington is a battleground for influence. Supporting just one could lead to undesirable outcomes in the end."

"I'm also contributing quite significantly to the Democratic Party. I've heard James has been quite busy arranging things. He's attending both the Republican's and Democrats' fundraising parties."

"That's only natural. The U.S. must be continuous parties these days."

Recently, Han Gyeong-yeong had been very busy. He was in a bind trying to attend every party happening here and there.

Although the Republican victory seemed certain, he couldn't afford to ignore the Democrats.

"Do you happen to know Senator Barack Obama?"

"Barack Obama? Are you talking about the Senator from Illinois?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"I know him, but… he's not really my kind of politician. He's a bit too radical. Doesn't really fit the U.S."

"Is that so?"

"Why? Have you seen something in him? His ceiling in politics will probably be governor. The returns on investment won't be large, will they?"

At this point, Barack Obama was not widely recognized.

Yet he would soon make a grand debut in the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

Investing generously when someone is at their lowest point is fundamental to good investment strategy.

"I plan to meet him sometime soon."

Kissinger's eyes gleamed at my words.

"Oh… Has he seen something in you that I haven't? Yet Bush and that fellow are different. The U.S. still harbors prejudice against people of color. If you're going to bet on the Democrats, better to invest in Hillary instead."

That seemed like a reasonable suggestion. I shook my head slowly and replied.

"Hillary has far too many people around her. Even if I invest now, it's unlikely she'll notice. Probably, James is already arranging an appointment with Senator Barack Obama right now. I mean to meet him."

Investing in Hillary would mean throwing money into thin air.

She was never destined to become president, after all.

I ignored Kissinger's evident discontent with my perspective and changed the subject.

"The summit between the two leaders should be wrapping up soon. I'm looking forward to the joint statement to be announced tomorrow."

Kissinger grumbled about my change of topic, but I simply smiled faintly.

The next day.

The two leaders from the South and the North stood side by side, announcing the joint statement together.