Chapter 153: Are You Afraid of Losing?

A thin wisp of steam rose from the teacup.

The silence was broken by Yoon Chang-ho’s voice.

“…I know your fear better than anyone else. You haven’t forgotten, have you? I was the one who took care of things when you wanted someone removed or buried.”

“Yes. But power changes people. I don’t trust politicians. I trust you, Prosecutor. Please don’t make me your enemy.”

After forming a connection, Yoon Chang-ho had never disappointed me.

He accomplished whatever he set out to do, no exceptions.

Even if his actions were for his own advancement, the results were always the same.

“I have no intention of making you an enemy.”

“That’s good to hear. I just wanted to be sure. I’ve had a bad experience with Kim Hak-gwon before.”

The warning was brief, but Yoon Chang-ho understood.

We discussed detailed plans for the party’s formation until the tea had completely cooled.

“Hold a press conference next week. Announce the creation of a new party, emphasizing the need for a new centrist party outside of the two-party system, one that prioritizes the people’s needs without being beholden to anyone.”

“Will that make a splash?”

“Soon, both the Conservative and Progressive parties will begin their nominations. We need to seize the spotlight first. The faster we recruit good talent, the better. I’ll handle media relations, including online public opinion efforts.”

“Online?”

I smiled as I added this for the puzzled Yoon Chang-ho.

“The influence of online public opinion is growing. The two parties aren’t prepared for it yet, and using the internet will help gain support from the general populace.”

“Understood.”

“And you must run in Jongno without fail, even if it means losing.”

Yoon Chang-ho’s eyes widened in surprise.

“In Jongno?”

“It’s not just a nickname; it’s truly the political center. It’s a battleground where the Conservative and Progressive parties alternate winning seats.”

“But you want me to run in such a contentious area?”

“You need to build your political presence. The goal isn’t just to become a member of Congress but to aim for the presidency.”

Yoon Chang-ho hesitated, not ready to agree.

He understood the reasoning, yet it had to be Jongno.

“Are you worried about losing?”

“Of course! Do you think someone who loses from their first election can ever become president?”

“This is all part of the journey to power. If you choose an easy area, winning won’t hold weight.”

“But still…”

“I won’t spare any means or methods to ensure victory. So please, don’t overthink it too much.”

Given the fierce competition, I had a good sense of who might run. I already had ample dirt on the candidates.

“If you say so, then I believe it. You’ve always had a way of handling things adeptly.”

“You’re being generous with your praise.”

“I’ve seen you since high school, after all. I know that if a battle is destined to be lost, you won’t engage in it from the start.”

Yoon Chang-ho chuckled lightly.

“What kind of score should we aim for to make a significant impact in next year’s election?”

“I think we should aim for at least 30 to 50 seats in the regional constituencies, excluding national ones.”

“30 to 50, huh…”

The results of the general election would likely reshape the political landscape.

While we needed as many seats as possible, the Progressive Party was too strong in Honam, and the Conservative Party ruled in Yeongnam.

“That’s the minimum target. Beyond that, it’s up to your capabilities, Prosecutor. The politics are for you to handle, not me.”

Yoon Chang-ho nodded in agreement.

“If we hold a press conference, what issues should we raise? It needs to be a compelling reason for entering politics.”

“You could leverage the recent battle at Yeonpyeong.”

The Yeonpyeong naval battle was certainly a shocking topic that would capture attention.

But Kim Hak-gwon’s government was concerned that it might harm the peaceful atmosphere with North Korea and was trying to quell the matter.

Given their overwhelming victory, public interest had begun to wane.

It seemed the Opposition Party struggled to raise a loud voice due to their internal conflicts.

“It’ll be good for capturing the spotlight. Although we won without severe losses, it was still a military engagement between North and South.”

“Isn’t that being too conservative for a centrist stance?”

“For now, given the Conservative Party’s struggles to function, it’s not a bad position to take.”

The populace was already stretched thin just trying to make ends meet.

“Be conservative when it comes to security, and show a progressive stance on the economy; it will better emphasize the centrist approach.”

“That’s a good idea.”

“I’ll limit my involvement in the preparatory phase. Instead, I’ll ensure Eva and Han Gyeong-yeong attend the launch ceremony. They’ll be more helpful than I would be.”

We spoke about various topics, but ultimately, money was crucial.

“If you’re going to start, buy a building in Yeouido to use as the main party office. The real estate market has collapsed, so it won’t cost you much. Eva likely has a suitable building she can sell to you.”

“But that will still cost a lot…”

“I’ll take care of it for you.”

I planned to help out in a way that wouldn’t reveal our connection.

This would become a weakness for Yoon Chang-ho in case things went wrong.

“Then I just need to declare my entry into politics, right?”

“Yes. Don’t worry about finances; what matters now is the timing. The preliminaries are over; it’s time for the main event. The general election results will determine the presidential candidates.”

It was time to get the results from the long-term investment placed in Yoon Chang-ho.

What future would I create? Could I really change the course of history?

I was intrigued to find out.

After the weekend, it was the day of Yoon Chang-ho’s press conference.

Major news outlets flocked to the venue.

With no significant political events following the by-elections, this press conference was bound to draw interest.

— Good day everyone, I’m Yoon Chang-ho.

At last, Yoon Chang-ho stood in front of the cameras as flashes went off everywhere.

— I’m here before many journalists today to respond to the voices you’ve relayed to me from our citizens.

Scanning the crowd, Yoon Chang-ho continued speaking.

— After stepping down as prosecutor general, I have met many of our youth, the nation’s future. Unlike my generation, I was shattered witnessing the anxiety gripping young people who struggle to find work day after day.

With a calm demeanor, Yoon Chang-ho mentioned the IMF crisis and the current economic situation, criticizing both past and present governments.

— Peace between North and South is important. But is there any peace that’s more critical than national security? As a citizen of Korea, I was profoundly disappointed by our government’s silence in the face of military provocations from the North, and I was shocked by the statements from certain Progressive Party members.

When discussing the First Yeonpyeong Naval Battle, he passionately appealed.

— The Conservative Party, responsible for holding the government accountable, fought amongst themselves, ignoring the citizens entirely in order to protect their power. They never issued a single critical statement about the silent government.

I was watching Yoon Chang-ho’s press conference live on television.

“He’s definitely someone who knows how to present himself. It’s not easy to show emotions when necessary, and to hold them back when it’s time to do so.”

No matter how much I supported him, ultimately, it was Yoon Chang-ho who stood before the people.

If he failed, we’d both end up with nothing.

— Leaving the prosecution, I aimed to avoid greed for power and work for the youth. There were many offers to enter politics, but I turned them all down. However, witnessing many politicians who turn their backs on the people, deceive them, and cause division made it impossible for me to remain silent.

Yoon Chang-ho’s speech, lasting about ten minutes, was approaching its conclusion.

— I don’t know how it might appear for someone with no political experience suddenly to dive into politics. However, I want to repay the interest and love that all of you have shown me. I’ve decided to found a party that is not bound by ideology and only thinks of the people.

After taking a deep breath, Yoon Chang-ho added his final words.

— Honorable citizens, politics must change for life to change. Though I’m alone now, I await the support of many comrades and citizens. I will become a true politician who serves the nation, regardless of left or right ideologies. Thank you.

After finishing his remarks, Yoon Chang-ho stepped aside, bowing at a 90-degree angle to the crowd.

After about 30 seconds, taking sufficient time for photos, Yoon Chang-ho began to take questions from reporters.

The press conference concluded with a question-and-answer session, going as rehearsed with the journalists.

Yoon Chang-ho’s press conference was like a storm that suddenly swept through the political realm.

The media was eager to uncover his past, praising him, while both the Conservative and Progressive parties scrambled to dig up his weaknesses.

But I had already compiled every single detail of his vulnerabilities long ago.

They wouldn’t find anything.

“So, what now? You have to enter that arena too.”

“Hah…”

I sat across from Myeong-su, who let out a deep sigh.

“First, tomorrow, hand over the gang members to the chairman, hold a press conference, and keep appearing in the media. I’ll create the issues for you.”

Thus began Myeong-su’s flashy debut.

“Right before next year’s general election, I’ll expose the corruption of Kim Hak-gwon’s youngest son, Kim Joong-geun, but make it look l like external pressure forced him to resign.”

The mention of investigating President Kim Hak-gwon’s family left Myeong-su aghast with his mouth hanging open.

“Are you crazy!? Do you want to get us killed?”

The prosecution had already begun to be reshuffled with the president’s people.

I tried to disband the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office’s special investigation unit, but had to back down due to backlash from the prosecutors. However, many prosecutors had already resigned.

“That’s the plan. We’ll stage a scene where the special investigation unit loses the case. That’s when you hold a press conference, releasing all the materials I provide to the media as you step down.”

The unfortunate prosecutor who resigns after pursuing corruption within the living powers.

It made for a perfect launch into politics.

“Is the evidence solid?”

“Yes. They’ve been involved in all sorts of interests. They say there are no good people under the Hobo, but that’s a complete lie. There are truly no depths to which these scumbags won’t sink.”

If this came to light, it could significantly damage the integrity of the Kim Hak-gwon administration.

Bribery and entertainment were just the basics; we had found traces of land acquisitions using borrowed names in areas planned for new city development.

“If we expose this now, it’ll just split the limelight with Yoon Chang-ho, so it’ll be dropped in January or February next year.”

“Next year, huh…”

Myeong-su swallowed nervously.

“You can handle it, right?”

“Phew, yeah. I’ve made up my mind already, there’s no way I’m backing out now.”

“Get into the National Assembly in this general election and build your influence. Use everything at your disposal—money and intimidation. You’ve got a knack for that kind of thing.”

“You never hold back your words with your friends, do you? You want me dead?”

Myeong-su glared at me with a fierce look.

I just smiled.

“What I want is to transform the system into a parliamentary one like Japan’s. First, the next president will be Yoon Chang-ho. Ideally, if we can amend to a parliamentary system during his term, that would be perfect. The results of this general election are truly important.”

“Parliamentary system?”

“Yeah. A president’s term is only five years. But with a parliamentary system, if you maintain your influence, you can stay in power for decades.”

It’s more convenient to seize the National Assembly and change the power dynamics to a parliamentary system than to worry every time a new president comes in.

“We’ll need to observe the results of this general election and the 2002 presidential election. Your job is to focus on expanding your influence until then.”