Chapter 164: In This Country, Only I Am Capable

After more than five hours of driving from Seoul, I finally arrived in Gyeongsan.

“Elder, are you there?”

Jang Dae-ho was a man of considerable wealth, yet his home was surprisingly modest.

Manager Ma pressed the weathered doorbell and raised his voice.

The sound of a voice soon resonated from the yard after the bell rang.

“Who is it?”

The front gate swung open, revealing an elderly man with white hair.

Jang Dae-ho was small in stature and appeared more ordinary than expected.

Manager Ma bowed his head deeply and greeted him.

“Hello, I am Ma Seok-dae. Our boss has expressed a desire to meet you, so we have come to visit.”

“And who might this boss be?”

I stepped out of the car and approached as their conversation began.

“Greetings, Elder. My name is Kim Mu-hyeok. I apologize for myimpoliteness, but I had no way to contact you and came without an appointment. My sincerest apologies.”

After a moment of silence, Jang Dae-ho, who had been gazing at me without response, finally spoke.

“So, you’re the heir of the Cheon Tae-san chairman? Well thenme in. You’ve traveled a long way, and we should at least share a cup of tea.”

“Thank you very much.”

I followed Jang Dae-ho as he gracefully turned and headed towards his home.

Inside, the house was clean, a stark contrast to what I’d seen from the outside.

“Elder, we have a guest!”

A woman who appeared to be a housekeeper peeked from the kitchen.

“Bring two cups of tea to the study and make sure to return home by dinner time.”

“Okay.”

“You should follow me.”

The study that Jang Dae-ho led me into was lined from floor to ceiling with books.

It was a spacious room filled with the rich scent of aged books.

“Please, have a seat.”

Jang Dae-ho sat down first and gestured for me to do the same.

I wasn’t surprised that he knew who I was. It was unexpected, however, that he was so willing to engage in conversation.

Jang Dae-ho slowly began to speak.

“I’ve heard a lot about you. Apparently, you take after the Cheon Tae-san chairman. Let’s seeyou don’t look quite like him, but perhaps your working style is similar?”

“I appreciate the compliment.”

Jang Dae-ho pulled out a notebook, jotting down some notes as he spoke.

As this mundane conversation continued, the study door opened.

The housekeeper placed a teapot and cups on the table before leaving.

Jang Dae-ho personally poured tea for me, then opened the conversation.

“Now… tell me what brought you all the way from Seoul. It can’t just be to see my face.”

Rather than answer, I savored the aroma of the tea he poured and said, “It smells wonderful.”

“It’s my favorite tea.”

After enjoying the scent and taking a sip, I set the cup down.

Jang Dae-ho’s gaze held a glimmer of interest as he watched me.

“I learned about you not long ago. But the more I learn, the more fascinating it becomes—how has someone like you’s name never come to light in this world?”

“What need is there for a country bumpkin’s name to be known? I’m just a common old man living in the countryside.”

“I’ve heard that your assistance was crucial in the founding of the Il-seong Group. I also heard that Chairman Seo Il-sung visited you every hholiday. Is that true?”

Instead of wildly dismissing it, he spoke calmly.

“I’m aware of some stories regarding my interactions with Chairman Seo Il-sung. I’ve heard that iff he ever wanted to see you, he would come directly.”

Chairman Seo Il-sung was the founder of the Il-seong Group.

Chairman Song Young-ju was the founder of the Daehyeon Group.

Anyone connected to them had played a pivotal role in lifting the economy of Korea.

“You’ve done your homework. Very few remember those days anymore. Yeah… I used to see Chairman Seo often while he was alive.”

His expression held a touch of nostalgia, as if he were reminiscing about the past.

“It was a tumultuous time. It was so bad that I left my family behind to come south. It felt like a crime to possess anything during those days. If a hell exists in this world, I’d say it was back then.”

Soon, the lines of sorrow began to show on his wrinkled face.

“Heh, I guess I’m really getting old. Here I am, revealing all this to a young man I just met today.”

“You’re mistaken. It’s because of people like you that we continue to live as we do. I respect those who went through that era, like my grandfather, Chairman Song, and Chairman Seo.”

Those words were genuine, not just flattery.

It reflected the respect I felt for those who endured the humiliating history of the Japanese occupation and the turmoil that followed during the Korean War.

“You’re quite different from the youth these days. Just having such thoughts isn’t easy at all. Well then, that’s enough rambling. I’d like to hear the reason for your visit now.”

“I came to seek your assistance, Elder.”

“Assistance?”

Jang Dae-ho looked mildly perplexed.

It seemed he was unaware of my connection with Seo Yong-geon.

“Yes.”

“What could I possibly help you with?”

“Elder, I’d like to ask you to transfer your stocks to me.”

“What?”

“I can offer three times or even five times their value. Alternatively, you could delegate your voting rights to me. I assure you, I will compensate you adequately.”

A moment of silence fell across Jang Dae-ho’s study.

Looking somewhat taken aback, he fell silent before suddenly bursting into laughter.

“What a funny joke to tell someone who’s nearing their end! Did you come here knowing about my relationship with Il-sung? And now you want mme to hand over my stocks?”

Beneath his laughter, a serious expression began to take shape.

“I am aware. But that is tied to the late Chairman Seo Il-sung, is it not? Since hhis passing, I believe the correspondence has ceased completely.”

After Chairman Seo Il-sung’s death, his childrren, including Seo Yong-geon, stopped visiting altogether.

Jang Dae-ho made an uncomfortable face, as if I’d struck a nerve.

“…It’s only natural to feel affection for the kids I’ve seen grow up. If you’re here to speak nonsense, then it’s best you leave.”

Though clearly a dismissal, I had no intention of giving up.

“Even without your help, I won’t cease my attack against Il-sung.””

“You don’t need to explain your business to me.”

The once amicable Jang Dae-ho now kept his distance, maintaining a stern expression.

“How might you assist me?”

“The only reason I granted you my time was to see the Cheon Tae-san chairman. But now, el I might regret that choice.”

There was unmistakable firmness in Jang Dae-ho’s words as he spoke.

“Have you ever thought of why I’m in this countryside? I wanted to avoid seeing all those things—the greed-fueled beasts that swarm around your world.”

He appeared to be referring to the internal conflict known as the Prince’s War that had erupted within the Il-seong Group..

“It’s time for you to leave. My tolerance for this conversation is running out.”

“Elder.”

No answer came in response.

I contemplated using more forceful tactics, but something about employing that approach with Jang Dae-ho felt wrong.

“Elder. I will grant you anything you desire. Whatever it may be.”

Still, the silence extended, and I could not afford to give up yet.

After learning more about Jang Dae-ho, I pondered what offer he wouldn’t turn down.

An idea began to form in my mind, one I believed only I could fulfill in present-day Korea.

“I’ll bring your wife and children from North Korea to South Korea. If they are still alive, that is.”

“…What did you just say?”

The words slipped out, perhaps reflecting his lingering guilt for not remarrying despite moving south after leaving his family behind.

“I said I would bring your family over from their hometown.”

The once-stony face transformed, his calm eyes now showing signs of trembling.

Without warning, Jang Dae-ho’s expression turned furious as he shouted.

“You, how dare you!”

“I only speak the truth. What you want is indeed family, isn’t it?”

“…”

“Elder, you could have easily built a family here in Korea, yet you chose not to. Isn’t that because of the guilt you carry for leaving your family behind? You’ve lived alone all this time, wishing to forget the children and wife you left behind, haven’t you?”

His anger was palpable. Jang Dae-ho trembled, fixing me with a murderous glare.

I held his seething gaze and pressed on, unwilling to back down.

“You can redeem yourself, Elder. Now, it’s within reach.”

“Do you think I haven’t tried? Do you know how much money I have poured into this?”

“Yes, I know. I heard that all your requests to reunite with your separated family were denied.”

“You think someone who knows that would just casually bring it up? How dare you say that before me!”

Jang Dae-ho’s fury soon turned into sorrow as his voice trembled violently.

His words were laced with an unmistakable sense of regret.

“Do you have any idea how painful this is for me? You’re clueless. Someone who has never experienced such pain cannot dare to speak to me like that.”

“It’s possible.”

“Up to this point…”

Jang Dae-ho too had likely exerted himself in countless ways to reach that point of no return.

Despite having the connections of Chairman Seo Il-sung, he still couldn’t ascertain the safety of his family—either they were dead or under North Korea’s special surveillance.

“I will first gather information on whether they’re alive or dead. I intended to do so beforehand, but only you know all the details regarding your family’s whereabouts. I apologize for having to say it like this.”

Prior to this meeting, I wanted to gather information but Manager Ma couldn’t dig deep enough to uncover personal details about them.

I also tried searching government documentation, thinking information might be available since he followed through on his family reunion requests, but there was no trace of Jang Dae-ho anywhere.

“…”

“Elder.”

“Alright. I’m done suffering anymore.”

“Elder.”

“Don’t make it harder for me.”

“Just share the details of your family members. I’ll find out whether they are dead or alive.”

“…”

Despite my pleading, he merely closed his eyes and remained silent.

I chose not to press further and simply waited.

Only a heavy silence hung in the air.

Time passed slowly. Finally, Jang Dae-ho opened his eyes, his expression heavy with melancholy.

“Can you truly do this?”

“I assure you, it is possible.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Trust me, I will resolve the resentment you’ve harbored for 50 years.”

“What’s your plan? Tell me how you’ll do it. If you do, I will consider it on my end.”

He wanted to see my cards before making a decision.

“I plan to reach out to the Chinese government. No one understands dealing with North Korea better than them.”

“You must be joking. Do you really think the Chinese government will heed your request?”

“Yes. In this country, I’m the only one who can make it happen.”

I spoke calmly, but with determination in my voice.

Jang Dae-ho studied my expression and the certainty in my eyes.

He hesitated for a time, a multitude of expressions flitting across his face.

Finally, he walked over to a bookshelf, retrieved a notebook and a photo album, and returned to his seat.

“Please, I hope you’re not playing a trick on this old man.”

Jang Dae-ho opened the photo album he brought over.

Inside were worn and tattered photos, faded from many years of remembrance.

Staring at the photos with a look of nostalgia, he handed them to me.

“These are my wife and children.”

A photo of him and his wife alone together.

A photo of his wife cradling a newborn baby by herself.

And a family photo of them all together.

Those were the only three photos tucked away in the album.

“These photos kept me alive. I held on to a foolish hope that we would unify one day. But if I had realized I wouldn’t see them for such a long time…”

Jang Dae-ho fell silent, bowing his head.

Over the decades, these regrets had solidified into something unchangeable.

I responded as I gazed at the faded and worn photos.

“Elder. I’ll make sure to take a new family photo for you.”

“If that’s possible, I’d have no regrets even if I were to die right now.”

“What are their names, ages, and where did you use to live?”

“It’s all written in here.”

Jang Dae-ho handed me the notebook he brought along.

The old notebook, like the photos, had torn edges from age and neglect.

As I flipped to the first page filled with scrawled names of his family, I found their ages, places of residence, and all sorts of other mundane details written down.

This notebook was a testament to Jang Dae-ho’s desire to never forget his family.

“Everything I remember is recorded there.”

“I will find them, I promise.”

“I can’t give you the photos, but you can take the notebook if you’d like.”

I nodded in agreement.

With the details in this notebook, I felt capable of finding them.

“Understood.”

“I won’t hold out too much hope… but if what you say is true, I’d be willing to give you everything I possess if you truly succeed. I only hope…”

“Please share these with your family once you find them.”

Jang Dae-ho nodded, his face appearing completely broken.

“…I’m counting on you.”

“I’ll take my leave now. I’ll return with good news.”

I exited his house, receiving a farewell from Jang Dae-ho.

As we grew smaller in the distance, he stood at the front gate, watching us leave.

On the drive back to Seoul, I immediately instructed Manager Ma as soon as we were in the car.

“Contact Wen Jiabao and arrange a call soon.”

“Yes, Boss.”

Finding Jang Dae-ho’s family would be more than possible if Wen Jiabao had some influence over North Korea.

It might pose political challenges, but that was a concern for Wen Jiabao to address.

A few days later, I was connected to Wen Jiabao by phone.

His voice sounded joyful through the receiver.

“Chairman Kim, it’s been a while.”

“Yes, Vice Premier, I hope you’ve been well?”

“Thanks to you, my influence within the party has grown. Since James returned to the U.S., I’ve been establishing a branch here and investing all over the place, ha ha ha!”

Wen Jiabao had reached out to me when Han Gyeong-yeong wrapped up his business in China and was heading back to the U.S.

He had offered to help with any matters he could, which made me realize our relationship had deepened significantly since then.

“I appreciate you taking the time to speak despite your busy end-of-year schedule. The reason I contacted you is that there’s someone I need to find in North Korea.”

“Someone from the North?”

“Yes, Vice Premier. They are essential to my work. I know it’s difficult, but I wish to bring them from the North to Korea.”

“……”

“Vice Premier?”

“You mean send someone from the North to the South… to look for a person?”

There was disbelief in Wen Jiabao’s voice as he spoke.