Chapter 566: Direct Contact

Jinnampo City in the South Pyongan Province, near Pyongyang.

This was an administrative region recognized by South Korea, while North Korea referred to it as Nampo Special City.

Located adjacent to Pyongyang, it was once the site of a joint industrial zone between the Jungwoo Group and North Korea.

However, the industrial zone didn't last long. Due to the IMF and various political factors, it closed in 1998 and was completely withdrawn from in 1999.

Originally, the Pyonghwa Automobile Factory was supposed to be established there, but in this lifetime, even that plan fell through.

— Jinnampo City… Are you asking for it to be handed over entirely?

"Yes. I want to declare it as a special economic zone like China, making it a place where people can freely enter and exit. Then, not only South Korean conglomerates, but also factories from various global companies that were headed to China can be attracted there."

— Hmm.

Jang Seong-taek swallowed hard, evidently deep in thought.

I knew exactly what was troubling him.

Jinnampo City was right next to Pyongyang.

"Is it about the city's location?"

— I can't say it's not. If free entry and exit are allowed…

"You're worried that incidents like this could happen in Pyongyang too."

— ….

Jang Seong-taek fell silent.

He had felt the mercenaries' combat abilities firsthand.

So it would be odd not to be worried.

Back then, he had fought for his life as a second-in-command, but now he was the real power in North Korea.

"That won't happen. You know that an unrefined plan wouldn't stand a chance against Pyongyang. It would be impossible to sneak in a considerable number of people. The North Korean government would know who came and went, right?"

— …Let's discuss the details in person.

Jang Seong-taek didn't give a firm answer.

I couldn't help but laugh at his evasive way of saying that we should meet to avoid an awkward situation.

"Alright, I understand. So when will discussions with the South Korean government begin?"

— Conversations have already started. By now, we are negotiating after establishing a hotline with the South Korean government. It will likely be possible to meet next year.

"That's faster than expected."

— Thanks to Chairman Kim Jong-il's assistance, the internal organization has been smoother than expected. But since it's not completely settled yet, I will be asking for a special envoy to be sent to Pyongyang next year.

I'd need to move faster than I initially planned.

I wrapped up the conversation while outlining how to proceed with Jang Seong-taek afterward.

After the call, I pressed the quick dial to call Myeong-su.

— Oh, Mu-hyeok.

"Have you heard anything from President Yoon?"

— Huh? What are you talking about? I haven't heard anything.

"Next year, North Korea will request a special envoy. A special envoy will likely leave for Pyongyang around January or February."

— What? So Jang Seong-taek has firmly taken control of the government.

"Exactly. You're going to take that special envoy position. And you'll go up with me."

— …Are you insane? Can't I just skip it?

Myeong-su's disdainful tone made me laugh involuntarily.

It's amusing, really. But I quickly wiped the smile off my face and turned serious.

"We need to move with the minimum personnel. There should be fewer eyes on us. So you'll take on the role of the special envoy team leader. I'll explain things clearly to President Yoon Chang-ho."

Understanding my intent, Myeong-su sighed and replied.

— I can't believe this. Fine, I got it.

"Thanks. Oh, let's gather with friends soon for a year-end party. Everyone says they're busy and haven't met lately?"

— True. It's hard to meet regularly like we used to. Coordinating schedules is tough…

"Right. But we should still get together more often. I'll set a date and let you know."

— Yeah, contact me.

After hearing Myeong-su's response, I hung up the phone and called Yoon Chang-ho immediately.

It wasn't long before Yoon Chang-ho's voice came through.

— Boss Kim.

"Yes, Mr. President. Is this the Presidential Residence?"

— It's about that time. What's on your mind?

"I heard you opened a dialogue channel with Pyongyang."

— How did you find out…?

Yoon Chang-ho's words trailed off, clearly taken aback.

Few people within the Blue House probably knew this yet.

I explained that I received the news from Jang Seong-taek.

"Jang Seong-taek contacted me directly."

— …

"I'll share the details next time. North Korea will be requesting a special envoy. You can appoint Myeong-su as that special envoy and send him with me."

— That'd be a good opportunity for me too, right?

His words subtly expressed his desires, to which I replied smoothly.

"Whatever you imagine, you'll likely gain even more than that. Your name might end up in the history books."

— Let's do that. I'll want to hear more details in person at the Blue House.

Yoon Chang-ho responded satisfactorily and ended the call.

I placed the phone down and leaned back against the sofa, closing my eyes.

The memories of when Manager Ma was shot in Pyongyang flooded back.

That's when it all started.

I couldn't think of leaving Kim Jong-il unchecked.

But taking down a dictator alone was impossible.

So, I laid traps and waited. Just as I predicted, Kim Jong-il walked straight into my hell.

Thanks to that, I barely escaped from what I once trusted. No, pretended to trust, Jang Seong-taek.

Now he has turned into just an ordinary senior citizen without anything to his name.

Just like in history, there would be no hereditary succession and no nuclear development in North Korea.

"…I want to take a break now."

The tumultuous year of 2003 was finally coming to an end.

On December 30, as the end of the year drew near.

I headed to a makgeolli house near Korea University.

Upon opening the shabby door, I was greeted by the noisy laughter of Myeong-su and other friends.

I smiled, walking over to them, and said,

"So, can't you have a year-end gathering without doing it here?"

Everyone turned their heads toward me, their faces beaming with joy.

"Oh! Kim Mu-hyeok!"

Myeong-su hurried over, holding a beer mug and a soju bottle.

"Since you're late, let's drink three shots to get started!"

Something was off. I stared at Myeong-su with a frown.

But Myeong-su didn't falter, filling the mug with soju.

Half the soju bottle vanished in an instant.

"Why do you look at me like that? Who told you to be late? Come on, drink up!"

I thought he'd change as he got older, but Myeong-su was the same as ever.

Why is it that he behaves like this at parties when he's so competent at work?

"Drink up! Drink up!"

"One shot! One shot!"

Myeong-su thrust the mug toward me, and our friends cheered him on.

You can't stop him, really. I shook my head and accepted the drink.

Then I tilted my head back. The bitter taste of soju slid down my throat, sharp and clear.

I had to down three more shots in quick succession before I could finally sit down.

"Where's Ajumma?"

"She told me to go ahead first."

I glanced around. This place really hasn't changed much over the years.

No matter when I visit, it always feels welcoming, as if it's waiting for me.

"But why did you choose this place?"

Myeong-su smiled and answered my question.

"Nowadays, everyone's so high-end, drinking whiskey, and wine, but I can't forget these soju and snacks we used to have in school. So, I chose this place. What, you don't like it?"

Myeong-su teasingly remarked. Despite his words, this was likely our most comfortable spot.

Somehow, I recognized the snacks set out on the table.

Various jeon and fish cake soup, as well as seasoned cockles were prepared.

"No. Good choice. I sometimes miss coming here."

"Right? A day like this should be fun, reminiscing about college!"

I looked around at my friends and laughed. Everyone seemed to share the same sentiment, nodding along.

As the drinks flowed, so did conversations about each other's recent happenings.

Oh Hyeon-woo was doing well in the prosecution, while Yoon Jae-ha was receiving heir training at his father's law firm.

Han Min-kyung was also thriving in the courts.

As the atmosphere grew warmer, Oh Hyeon-woo spoke up.

"Hey! Mu-hyeok, I heard Yoon Jae-ha is getting married next year. Did you know?"

"Really?"

Seeing Yoon Jae-ha shyly tilting his glass made me ask.

"Congratulations. When did you have time to date while being so busy?"

"Thanks. We've only been seeing each other for a short while. I felt I couldn't let this girl go, so I proposed. We've already completed the introductions with both families. Now we just need to set a date."

Myeong-su excitedly jumped into the conversation.

"Who is it? Is she pretty?"

"She's an attorney working at our firm. She's two years junior to us."

"Oh, office romance! Give us details. As we age, I find these stories so enjoyable."

Yoon Jae-ha nervously chuckled as he began his tale.

We raised our glasses while listening to Yoon Jae-ha's story.

"She was an attorney under me, but for some reason, I found myself drawn to her. At first, we just maintained a business relationship."

Yoon Jae-ha spoke calmly.

But there was plenty of affection woven into his voice towards his future spouse.

Myeong-su chimed in with enthusiastic interjections, and with our congratulations, Yoon Jae-ha's tale came to a close.

Once everything was said, I asked Yoon Jae-ha.

"Did Chairman Yun oppose this?"

"I've never been the kind of son who obediently listens to my father. Besides, she's not from a family that would be a problem."

Yoon Jae-ha shrugged with a grin.

"Well then, congratulations. You're getting married now."

"What about you? No thoughts about marriage?"

Looking around, it seemed like among us, only Myeong-su and I were still single.

Hyeon-seong was married, Oh Hyeon-woo and Han Min-kyung had tied the knot, and now Yoon Jae-ha is getting married.

"Well, if I find someone I really like, maybe. But for now, I'm comfortable being single. Myeong-su seems more of a problem."

Everyone's gaze turned to Myeong-su.

"Hey, why are you suddenly attacking me? I'm seeing someone too! What's this about?"

Yoon Jae-ha smirked at Myeong-su's reaction.

"Really? Since when did Myeong-su start dating? Ever since you've become a lawmaker, you've become quite the liar!"

"What? You little!"

Myeong-su snapped back, and everyone erupted in laughter.

While Myeong-su and Yoon Jae-ha were bickering, I slid over to Oh Hyeon-woo.

"How's the elder? I haven't seen much of him in the media since you took on the role of Transition Committee Chair. Is he doing alright? I haven't contacted him recently either."

Offering a comical grin, Oh Hyeon-woo chuckled.

"He's still as lively as ever. He often mentions you. He complains that you only reach out to him when you need something."

"Haha. He's still the same. I should visit him and pay my respects once the New Year rolls in."

I refilled his glass and clinked it with mine.

"When am I becoming an uncle? Don't you have plans for a second generation?"

"We're still in the newlywed phase. Both of us, including Min-kyung, don't have time for that. You know how crucial this period is for us all."

"That's how you feel. But don't the elders think differently?"

"Don't get me started. You have no idea how much pressure they're putting on us."

With furrowed brows, Oh Hyeon-woo let out a deep sigh. Then he glanced at Han Min-kyung, who was smiling while holding her glass.

"It's really stressing Min-kyung out, too."

"Right. You guys will handle it well. By the way, how's the atmosphere in the prosecution?"

"You know they're pushing for a major overhaul in the prosecution, right?"

Oh Hyeon-woo lowered his voice.

Yoon Chang-ho, who knew more about the prosecution than anyone, was serious.

And he was working hard for a significant reform within the prosecution.

"There's been quite a backlash internally. Even with the president's background, there's opposition to the idea of reforming the prosecution…"

Oh Hyeon-woo trailed off. Knowing why he was hesitating, I spoke on another topic.

"What are your thoughts on it?"

"Hmm… I'm in favor of the reform."

"Doesn't this reform lower the power of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office?"

"Exactly. They're elevating the Seoul District Prosecutors' Office to a Central District Prosecutors' Office, and the former Eastern, Southern, Northern, and Western District Offices will be upgraded to District Prosecutors' Offices. Then, they'll reorganize them under the High Prosecutors' Office; that's the main point of this reform."

This prosecution reform ultimately meant redistributing the power from the Supreme Prosecutors' Office to the Central District Prosecutors' Office.