Chapter 458: I Only Gave a Small Piece of Advice

The unusually cold winter was drawing to a close.

I headed to the Capitol to attend President Yoon Chang-ho's inauguration ceremony.

When I arrived singers were performing celebratory songs as part of the pre-ceremony events.

A crowd had gathered to witness the inauguration.

I made my way past the sea of people toward my designated seat on the platform.

Despite requesting a spot in the back row my seat was assigned near the front.

This inauguration saw unprecedented attendance from foreign dignitaries: Russia's Medvedev China's Wen Jiabao and even U.S. Secretary of State Powell.

Even Prime Minister Koizumi came personally from Japan despite their strained relations with Korea.

With so many political heavyweights present the inauguration had become a hub of international diplomacy.

Since I had connections with these figures I had no choice but to take my seat at the front where I could interact with them.

Having arrived early none of them were here yet. I sat alone and waited.

As I watched the celebratory performances someone tapped my shoulder.

I turned to see Myeong-su.

"When did you get here?"

Myeong-su sat down next to me with a smile.

I returned his smile.

"Just arrived."

"Whew… glad you're here. There's so much to prepare. We weren't expecting so many foreign dignitaries which means extra security arrangements and countless other details to handle."

"Ah right you're the inauguration preparation committee chairman."

Myeong-su nodded and grumbled.

"More like they dumped it on me because I'm young. They keep using age as an excuse to pile on responsibilities."

Despite his complaints Myeong-su seemed pleased with the chairman position.

Even though it didn't come with much real authority.

"The atmosphere is definitely different from previous inaugurations. Must be your doing."

Just looking at the lineup of performing artists made that clear.

While most were trot singers there were also some idol groups and dance performers in the mix.

"This is just the beginning. We're turning it into a festival."

After some more casual chat Myeong-su stood up.

"See you later. Got lots to do."

"Sure."

The VIP guests started arriving one by one.

I shook my head watching Myeong-su shake hands with each of them. What a busy day for him.

As the pre-ceremony events concluded the MC began announcing the proceedings.

Among those entering the inauguration hall I spotted a familiar face.

"Coach Hiddink."

"Ah Charlie long time no see."

Despite being mid-season Hiddink had requested leave from his club to visit Korea given his relationship with the country.

As the club owner I'd gladly approved his request.

How could I refuse when one of the VIP guests had asked? I even sent a private jet to make his travel convenient.

"Coach what's your schedule looking like?"

"I need to leave this evening. We have an important match against ManU in a few days. We're competing for the trophy."

"Ah! I know about that."

"Aren't you being too hands-off as an owner?"

Hiddink said playfully and I met his joke with a smile.

"Isn't it better when the owner just provides funding and stays out of club operations?"

"Haha true but sometimes the owner needs to keep the management in check to prevent them from making poor decisions."

"Is there a problem?"

Could there be issues with management that hadn't been reported to me?

"No not at all. They've given me more authority than any club I've worked with before and our communication is good."

Hiddink spoke in a gentle voice. Good to hear there weren't any problems.

"That's a relief. Though we made promises ultimately you're the one who has to work with the management team in England."

"They're people who truly love the club. With such dedicated people I believe even a Champions League victory isn't just a dream."

"Oh… excellent."

Hiddink's face radiated confidence as he made this bold statement.

After a firm embrace we continued our conversation.

Soon other diplomatic envoys including Prime Minister Koizumi began arriving at the inauguration hall.

"I'll visit England soon. Let's have dinner and chat then."

"Sounds good."

Hiddink went to find his seat while I greeted others.

"Chairman Medvedev welcome."

"Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok! We've talked often on the phone but it's been a while since we met in person."

"Indeed it has. It's good to see you. Thank you for coming to Korea."

After Medvedev I exchanged brief greetings with Powell and Wen Jiabao.

Finally I addressed Prime Minister Koizumi.

"Prime Minister it's been a while."

"Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok it has been some time."

Koizumi extended his hand with a stern expression.

"I heard Japan has stabilized."

"Stabilized…"

Something seemed to bother Koizumi as he furrowed his brow.

"What's wrong? Is there an issue?"

"No I'll handle it myself now."

There must be some problem but since he wasn't willing to discuss it I didn't want to pry.

I didn't want to get entangled with Japan anymore. Still I had to ask out of courtesy.

"I understand. But if you face any difficulties please reach out. I'll help if I can."

After seeing Koizumi's slight nod I turned away.

Having greeted everyone I took my seat. However one invited guest Choi Seon-man was nowhere to be seen.

Even if he'd been living in seclusion as a former president it would be proper etiquette to attend the inauguration unless deceased.

Lost in thought I heard the MC announce the ceremony was about to begin.

As if on cue President Kim Hak-gwon entered the inauguration hall.

When our eyes met I saw both regret and relief in his gaze.

I didn't avoid his complex gaze but simply gave a slight bow in greeting.

Kim Hak-gwon nodded back and sat down with his wife.

I turned my attention back to continue my conversation with Powell.

I asked Powell who'd just been venting about Dick Cheney.

"Vice President Cheney's overreach seems serious."

"…Sigh. I can't deny it. Vice president is an honorary position meant as backup if the president becomes incapacitated. But Cheney acts like he's the president. Nobody stops him."

Powell's deep sigh revealed his frustration.

"He interferes with cabinet members more than President Bush does. Sometimes I can't tell who's really president Cheney or Bush."

Listening to Powell I swallowed hard deep in thought.

'Should I clip Cheney's wings?'

Cheney was essentially the leader of the neocons.

As I wrestled with the decision Choi Seon-man appeared.

He flinched upon seeing me as he climbed onto the platform. Though he quickly masked his reaction.

After receiving greetings from several people he frowned at my smile.

Deliberately turning away from me Choi Seon-man took his seat among the former presidents.

I noted his behavior before looking away myself.

"Let's talk more at the dinner banquet after the ceremony."

The inauguration was about to begin.

Powell nodded at my suggestion.

As the ceremony commenced President-elect Yoon Chang-ho's vehicle appeared in the National Assembly grounds.

When Yoon Chang-ho stepped out some people stood up craning their necks to see him.

The small commotion settled quickly when he waved to the crowd.

After shaking hands with ten citizen representatives Yoon Chang-ho began ascending the platform with them.

Once on stage he shook hands with Kim Hak-gwon and his wife before taking his seat.

Right on schedule the national anthem began playing.

Everyone except the foreign guests stood to sing the national anthem.

A brief moment of silence followed the anthem.

Then came Prime Minister Kim Chang-seok's opening remarks.

After his brief speech President-elect Yoon Chang-ho took the podium.

"I do solemnly swear before the people that I will faithfully execute the duties of the President uphold the Constitution protect the state strive for the peaceful unification of our homeland and promote the development of our national culture."

Yoon Chang-ho completed the presidential oath. The crowd responded with thunderous applause.

This was the moment he transitioned from president-elect to President of the Republic of Korea.

After the oath twenty-one cannon shots were fired in salute.

President Yoon Chang-ho's inaugural address followed.

"Respected citizens…"

His thirty-minute inaugural speech concluded.

After a brief celebratory song President Kim Hak-gwon and President Yoon Chang-ho walked together.

The two shared a brief embrace before the ceremonial vehicle. Former President Kim Hak-gwon then entered the car.

Yoon Chang-ho remained in place until the vehicle carrying his predecessor left the National Assembly.

Returning to the platform he shook hands and briefly greeted each VIP guest before departing for the Blue House.

The Yoon Chang-ho era had officially begun.

The gathered crowd began dispersing.

The VIP guests also went their separate ways.

They needed time to prepare for the evening banquet.

Planning to meet the others at dinner I headed to the Myeong-dong Hotel with Wen Jiabao.

"I was very worried."

We sat facing each other in a suite at the Myeong-dong Hotel.

"Haha. Thanks to you I was able to make my comeback. Thank you."

I nodded at Wen Jiabao's words.

"I merely offered a small piece of advice."

"That advice prompted Hu Jintao to take political risks to save me. Otherwise I would have disappeared from politics completely."

That's not wrong. While I saved him because he was useful I just smiled in response.

"Hu Jintao said it outright. If you hadn't stepped in he wouldn't have moved at all."

Hu Jintao was someone who prioritized his own safety above all.

He only acted because I suggested a way to save Wen Jiabao that would benefit him.

"Aren't we sworn brothers?"

But I hid these thoughts and spoke playfully.

"Xiongdi! Yes we've sworn brotherhood."

"That's why I helped. No need for thanks. Would you not have done the same if our situations were reversed?"

Wen Jiabao denied this with exaggerated gestures.

"Of course not. I too would have stepped up for my brother."

"Then stop thanking me. It makes me uncomfortable."

"Haha alright."

Wen Jiabao laughed heartily again and I smoothly changed the subject.

"Hu Jintao becomes Chairman next month right?"

"Yes. You should receive an invitation soon. Hu Jintao specifically asked me to ensure you attend."

"Of course I'll go."

"Excellent. We'll give you a proper welcome when you visit."

"Can I look forward to it?"

"Absolutely! Please do look forward to it."

After some light banter I decided to broach the main topic.

"You've invited Deputy Director Jang Seong-taek too right?"

At the mention of Jang Seong-taek Wen Jiabao's smile faded replaced by a serious expression.

Adjusting his posture he responded.

"Yes. We've requested Kim Jong-il send Jang Seong-taek as part of the congratulatory delegation. But we're not sure how Kim Jong-il will respond. We haven't received an answer yet."

"Please apply more pressure. I must meet Jang Seong-taek this time. I'm counting on you."

When I made my request in a firm tone Wen Jiabao asked curiously.

"Is there a specific reason you need to meet Jang Seong-taek?"

"Can you keep a secret?"

"As I said before we're sworn brothers. I will never betray you."

I stared at his face intently. Whatever the case he was too deep in now to back out.

"I plan to remove Kim Jong-il."

"…What?"

Wen Jiabao asked back with a dazed expression.

"I intend to make Jang Seong-taek North Korea's leader. Though not in the current style of leadership."

"I plan to make Jang Seong-taek North Korea's leader though not in the same way as the current regime."