Chapter 181: They Say Politics Is a Show

Under-the-table negotiations had been steadily progressing for a year before the inter-Korean summit.

Whether the negotiations were effective or not, the government announced the schedule for the inter-Korean summit just months before the general elections.

In response, the Moderate Party and Conservative Party protested, claiming it was election interference, but it had little impact on the election.

For Kim Hak-gwon, it was like landing a stunning blow, but without significant effect, he must have found it quite painful.

With the President’s approval rating at 70%, it must be frustrating that the Progressive Party isn’t benefiting from his halo at all.

“It’s been a while since we’ve met.”

I greeted Kim Hak-gwon as he entered the waiting room, just before boarding the presidential aircraft.

“Oh, Mr. Kim! It’s been ages!”

Feigning delight, Kim Hak-gwon acknowledged my greeting before quickly turning to accept greetings from others.

Chairman Song, standing next to me, whispered in a low voice as he observed this.

“Is your relationship with the President not going well?”

His somewhat childish question made me chuckle as I replied in a similarly hushed tone.

“Neither good nor bad, really.”

“Hmm…”

As Chairman Song stroked his chin, pondering my response, he seemed deep in thought.

“By the way, didn’t you have negative feelings toward North Korea? Why suddenly decide to go to Pyongyang?”

I once told Chairman Song that business with North Korea was premature.

Realizing there was some misunderstanding, I shook my head as I replied.

“I still hold the same views on investment; I’m just going for an important matter.”

“An important matter? What could it be?”

“I’m afraid that’s difficult to disclose.”

Chairman Song showed disappointment at my inability to share, his expression revealing his feelings.

“Come on! Is our relationship only at this level? I’m hurt, truly hurt.”

“Chairman, it’s not like that…”

Perhaps because Chairman Song raised his voice slightly, people’s attention turned towards us.

“Haha, what could possibly make you so upset, Chairman?”

Seizing the chance, Kim Hak-gwon approached with a smile, causing Chairman Song to stand and bow his head.

“I’m sorry, Mr. President. I raised my voice without realizing it.”

“It’s all right, no need to bow your head. When many people gather, such things can happen.”

Kim Hak-gwon helped raise Chairman Song back up.

After rubbing Chairman Song’s hand a few times, Kim Hak-gwon spoke with a kind expression.

“It’s troubling that someone in poor health like you has to travel to Pyongyang because of me. Thank you for accompanying me, Chairman Song.”

“This is something I’ve always wanted. Thanks to you, I’ve been able to step foot in the North and be present for this historic moment. I should be the one thanking you.”

As Chairman Song waved his hands while speaking, Kim Hak-gwon chuckled softly and glanced at me before continuing.

“But what is bothering you? Is it something about the treatment?”

“Well…”

Chairman Song hesitated a bit, glancing at me before answering.

“I asked Mr. Kim why he was visiting North Korea, and he said it’s something he cannot share. Isn’t that disheartening?”

“Is that so? I’m not sure of the details, but the North Korean government requested that Mr. Kim visit with me.”

“Ah, I see…”

As he consoled Chairman Song, lightly tapping his shoulder, Kim Hak-gwon cast another glance at me.

“Come to think of it, I’m also curious why the North Korean government called for Mr. Kim.”

I might not grasp the full details, but I found it curious that someone who knows I met Jang Seong-taek pretends not to know.

Yet it was something I couldn’t completely disregard, so I replied casually.

“I’m not quite sure either. I was in China for business when I heard the North would like to meet with me, so I politely declined. I never expected they’d reach out to our government as well.”

As I spoke nonchalantly, Kim Hak-gwon raised his eyebrows slightly.

“Apparently, that’s the case, Chairman Song. You don’t need to feel upset about this; they don’t tell me either, haha.”

Kim Hak-gwon’s hearty laughter failed to mask Chairman Song’s awkward expression.

I felt a slight irritation, suspecting Kim Hak-gwon was purposely making things uncomfortable for Chairman Song, but I chose to hide that feeling.

There were many eyes watching, and I had important tasks to attend to in the North, so drawing too much attention could create discomfort.

Kim Hak-gwon continued to speak with Chairman Song for a bit longer before finally moving toward the other guests.

“Hah…”

Finally, a look of relief crossed Chairman Song’s face. Perhaps already feeling exhausted, he sat in a chair and let out a long sigh.

His former jovial appearance came to mind, making me worry unnecessarily. I followed suit and took a seat beside him.

“How’s your health, Chairman Song?”

“It’s just age; I’m not going anywhere yet, so don’t worry too much.”

Though he said so, he looked far worse than when I first met him.

I hadn’t had any ties with Chairman Song before my regression, but in this lifetime, I had developed a close friendship with him. Naturally, I couldn’t help but worry.

“What does the doctor say?”

“Nothing major, thankfully. By the way, is Chairman Cheon still the same?”

Chairman Song, perhaps aware of my concerns, changed the subject to inquire about my grandfather’s health.

“He’s the same. No, he’s actually gotten worse.”

“Sigh… Seeing people who’ve lived through the same era gradually leave us is painful.”

Chairman Song’s face bore sadness and regret. Losing someone who lived through the same era is an irreplaceable loss I couldn’t find words to console.

“Yet, I’m envious of Chairman Cheon. You left behind a successor. Would I have been able to do the same? Passing everything to someone not of the Song lineage, I wonder.”

Chairman Song shook his head slightly, examining my face carefully.

“No, I could never do it. Even if my only grandson were as capable as you.”

Chairman Song was far more patriarchal than anyone from his generation.

During his prime, even after his sons got married and moved out, he mandated that breakfast was to be shared together at the family home.

But because he chose the wrong successor, his brothers squabbled for power after Chairman Song’s death.

It was due to him passing the reins to someone he had affection for, rather than the capable one.

“Soon, we’ll be boarding. Mr. President, you will arrive after the press conference, so please board first and wait at your designated seat.”

Upon Minister Park Seong-won’s remark, those waiting in the lounge began moving to board the presidential aircraft.

“Chairman Song, your seat is over here. The accompanying aides should sit in the back.”

Chairman Song sat down first, followed by the aides moving to the rear of the aircraft.

“Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok, you can follow behnd.”

I wished to sit beside Chairman Song, but didn’t want to clash with inflexible bureaucrats, so I nodded reluctantly.

“Understood. See you later, Chairman Song.”

“Yes, Mr. Kim. Until then.”

Chairman Song waved goodbye with a smile.

As I took my seat, guided by a member of the secretary’s office, I found an unexpected person already sitting next to me.

“Are you Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok? I’m Seo Jae-hoon, he vice president of Ilseong Electronics.”

It was the prince of Ilseong, Seo Jae-hoon. I shook his hand lightly as he extended it in greeting.

“I’m Kim Mu-hyeok. I’ve heard a lot aout you, but this is my first time seeing you in person.”

“Indeed, haha.”

I never expected to be seated alongside Seo Jae-hoon.

Releasing his hand, Seo Jae-hoon spoke jovially.

“Among the entrepreneurs visiting North Korea this time, we’re the youngest, Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok. Let’s get along wel during these three days.”

His gentle tone matched remarkably well with his model-student appearance.

If I hadn’t known who he was, I might have thought his demeanor was just prim and proper.

However, this person concealed a ruthless and audacious personality, far more than Seo Yong-geon.

I nodded, suppressing my urge to keep my distance.

“Indeed. I’ll be counting on you.”

Aside from Ilseong, all the heads of the top five conglomerates were visiting North Korea together.

It was strange that Seo Yong-geon sent Seo Jae-hoon in his stead. I couldn’t easily guess his motives.

I originally remembered Seo Yong-geon being part of the delegation visiting North Korea.

My mind was tangled with questions.

“We’re about to take off. All dignitaries, please fasten your seatbelts and remain in your seats.”

Thanks to my window seat, I had a clear view outside.

News crews and newspapers were fiercely competing to capture Kim Hak-gwon boarding the aircraft.

Seeming to exploit the heated competition, Kim Hak-gwon climbed halfway up the stairs, turned around, and waved with a smile.

This was a historic moment, the first time a President of the Republic of Korea would visit North Korea since the division.

Yet, for me, something else was more significant.

‘Why does Kim Jong-il want to meet with me?’

I was curious about Kim Jong-il’s intentions for wanting to see me.

Even Jang Seong-taek seemed unaware, as he hadn’t informed me of Kim Jong-il’s purpose.

“Mr. President is boarding now.”

Soon, Kim Hak-gwon boarded. As he walked through the aircraft, he casually glanced at Seo Jae-hoon and me with a smile before continuing on.

‘He probably orchestrated our seating arrangement.’

Unknowingly, I furrowed my brows. Knowing that Chairman Seo of Ilseong and Kim Hak-gwon had a close relationship caused my irritation to surface even more.

Once all the personnel, including Kim Hak-gwon, boarded, the airplane took off.

Flying a surprisingly short time compared to the duration from Seoul to Busan, we safely landed at Pyongyang’s Sunan Airport.

The accompanying press team disembarked first, followed soon after by Kim Jong-il, whose appearance prompted cheers to echo throughout the airport.

The seamless nature of the events felt almost scripted, causing me to furrow my brow slightly.

‘They say politics is a show.’

Despite it being a historic moment, I felt no thrill.

Yet, thinking about how rare such an event might be, I kept my eyes on the view outside the window.

I could see Kim Jong-il arriving at the foot of the aircraft’s stairs.

Kim Hak-gwon stood at the plane’s door.

As the North Korean military band began to play, Kim Hak-gwon stood still, watching, before descending the steps.

His face filled with overwhelming emotion, mixed with nostalgia.

Kim Hak-gwon grasped both of Kim Jong-il’s hands.

“Thank you for making the journey, Mr. President.”

“I’m glad to see you, Chairman.”

As I observed the two leaders exchanging greetings, Seo Jae-hoon spoke up beside me.

“I never expected to come to Pyongyang in my lifetime, Mr. Kim.”

At his words, I turned from looking outside the window.

“Yes, it’s quite extraordinary.”

A smile appeared on Seo Jae-hoon’s face, but I felt chills run down my spine at his expression.

His smiling face, yet his eyes, like a snake, seemed to scrutinize my every move.

“Mr. Kim, would you like to have a drink tonight?”

“If I have time, I’d be up for it.”

“Excellent. Just make sure to keep your promise.”

“Yes. I also wanted to share a drink with you. But it seems it’s nearly time to move, doesn’t it?”

Out the window, I observed Kim Jong-il and Kim Hak-gwon escorted by North Korean soldiers, arriving at the official vehicle.

“Once the President and Chairman depart, we will come down and follow. Please, no personal actions. You must stay within the designated areas and inform us of any movement. Otherwise, we can’t guarantee your safety.”

A staff member from the Blue House explained the necessary precautions with a tense expression.

After hearing the briefing, I rose from my seat and walked towards Chairman Song.

Chairman Song was nodding off, his head bobbing.

“Chairman Song, it’s time to go.”

“Oh… did I doze off?”

When I carefully called to wake him, he glanced around, smiling awkwardly.

Seeing Chairman Song looking tired even after such a short flight weighed heavily on my heart.

“Let me help you.”

“No, I can go by myself. On a day like this, I want to walk alone.”

Chairman Song’s aide stepped up to assist him, but he declined even that offer, standing up to follow the directors’ lead.

I slowly walked behind Chairman Song.

“Before I die, I get to see this scene.”

The other heads of the accompanying group were from the generation that had already succeeded from the founders.

Perhaps due to his solitude of having experienced the division himself, everyone fell silent, parting ways to let Chairman Song pass.

“Chairman Song, please go ahead.”

“Thank you, Vice Chairman Yu.”

Chairman Song turned slowly, scanning the surroundings before descending the steps.

Receiving cheers from the gathered crowd, he walked toward the vehicles that awaited us.

Chairman Song strode forward with remarkable composure, covering quite a distance without a hint of faltering.

His sturdy figure certainly deserved the title of a giant in the business world.

Having entered our assigned vehicle, we made our way out of Sunan Airport.

As we headed towards our assigned accommodation, numerous people lined the streets to welcome us.

Amidst the cheers from the crowd leading from Sunan Airport into Pyongyang, we slowly made our way.

“Greetings. I am Baek Cheol-soo, tasked with overseeing Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok’s visit. You may ext now.”

“Thank you. I look forward to working with you, Mr. Baek.”

We arrived at the Goryeo Hotel in Pyongyang.

Seeing a place I had only seen on television felt surreal.

“Please enter. I will guide you to your room.”

I followed Baek Cheol-soo, who urged me into the hotel.

With that, my first day in North Korea began.