Chapter 256: Is There a Problem?

Three days had passed since our arrival in Pyongyang, yet Kim Jong-il still hadn’t called for me.

Kim Sung-jin’s warning lingered in my mind, but I remained calm as I waited.

Unlike previous visits to Pyongyang, this time Manager Ma and Chairman Kim Byung-woo were accompanying me, so it wouldn’t be easy to summon me hastily.

On the morning of the third day, our bus rolled towards Kaesong.

“Chairman Song Chan-woo, how is Honorary Chairman Song Young-ju’s health?”

“It’s the same as always. My father insists on being discharged, but I’m trying to dissuade him. Who knows what could happen next? A while ago, he faced heart complications. If it weren’t for the hospital, he could have been in real danger, yet he keeps stubbornly insisting on leaving.”

Honorary Chairman Song Young-ju was known for his bullheadedness. I was sure he had threatened to go to Pyongyang.

However, this time, it was Chairman Song Chan-woo visiting Pyongyang in place of Honorary Chairman Song Young-ju. No matter how much he might protest, health concerns would ultimately keep him from the visit.

“Honorary Chairman Song’s stubbornness is well-known. It’s fortunate that his mind is still sharp.”

“His heart has issues due to aging, but everywhere else, he’s still in great shape. Sometimes when he summons the executives, I wonder if he’s really the one who’s sick.”

I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of Honorary Chairman Song Young-ju scolding others. I said without realizing it.

“Is the succession process going smoothly?”

“…It’s going well for now. But to be honest, after my father passes, I really don’t know what will happen. I heard Boss Kim hasn’t given a definite answer either; is that right?”

As soon as I stepped out of the hospital room, Song Chan-woo called me over, indicating that Honorary Chairman Song had shared everything.

I nodded slightly in response to his question.

“Are you considering splitting the company?”

“My father has no intention of doing that at all. He firmly believes that every company with the name Daehyeon must belong to the Daehyeon Group.”

“What about your own thoughts, not just Honorary Chairman Song’s?”

“…I just do as my father tells me.”

A bitter expression crossed Song Chan-woo’s face as he said this self-deprecatingly.

Though he shared the same father as Song Chan-seong, his status as an illegitimate child must have caused him to feel estranged even within the family.

In the Song family of the Daehyeon Group, there was no place for Song Chan-woo. If Honorary Chairman Song Young-ju were to pass away, Song Chan-woo would undoubtedly find himself alone.

“You follow whatever Honorary Chairman Song says…”

He might be a devoted son, but I felt he would never rise to become a successful entrepreneur.

He seemed to sense my muttering and asked,

“Do you not trust me?”

“Well, let’s see. I’ll meet with Honorary Chairman Song once again.”

“Understood.”

Song Chan-woo kept his thoughts to himself until the end.

After that, Song Chan-woo fell silent. Noticing his disinterest in further conversation, I chose not to push it either.

There was no dialogue between us until we reached Kaesong.

“We’re going to build an industrial complex here. What do you think, South Korean entrepreneurs?”

The tour guide pointed out the site where the complex would be constructed.

“That’s great, but the issue is the infrastructure is severely lacking…”

Chairman Kim Byung-woo and Song Chan-woo represented South Korean businessmen in discussions with the North Korean side.

“I completely agree with Chairman Song. Establishing the necessary infrastructure will require a hefty investment.”

Chairman Kim Byung-woo nodded at Song Chan-woo’s words. He sighed as he looked at the almost barren site of the Kaesong Industrial Complex.

Despite that, the guide was quite assertive.

“That part is something you will need to handle. We’re only here to provide the land and workforce; everything else is agreed upon to be managed by the South.”

Honorary Chairman Song Young-ju and the Korean government promised that all the necessary infrastructure for the factory construction would be provided by South Korean capital.

As the guide pointed that out, Song Chan-woo nodded in acknowledgment.

“Of course I understand. Rather than rushing to build all the infrastructure at once, we should proceed step by step. First, we need to build the road that connects to South Korea.”

“Yes, that does seem like the way to go.”

“Isn’t Jungwoo Group still merging with the construction company? May I ask Daehyeon Group to handle the construction at the Kaesong Industrial Complex?”

“Hmm…”

When the topic of the construction company arose, Chairman Kim Byung-woo turned to me.

I shook my head slightly at his pleading look before interrupting their conversation.

“The merger between Jungwoo Construction and Geukseong Construction has already been completed.”

Upon my response, Song Chan-woo wore a troubled expression. Still, it subtly revealed Honorary Chairman Song Young-ju’s intentions.

“Since our Honorary Chairman Song Young-ju was the one who first initiated this as the top construction company in Korea, it’s only right that our Daehyeon Group takes charge, wouldn’t you agree?”

“For now, you should continue the discussions with the Korean government. It would be best to discuss the specifics in Seoul after we take a look around here today.”

“Understood.”

It felt regrettable to hand over this project entirely to Daehyeon Construction.

Regardless of profit, constructing the road to connect the North and South, along with building factory facilities and dormitories for North Korean workers, would leave a mark in history once completed.

Chairman Kim Byung-woo confirmed that my discussion with Song Chan-woo was wrapping up and spoke to the guide.

“I hope we can stop by a nearby village before heading back; is that alright?”

The guide nodded eagerly.

“Of course! Once the Kaesong Industrial Complex is established, most of the workers will come from that village. Let’s take a look first before we head back.”

After touring the village near the site for the Kaesong Industrial Complex, we returned directly to Pyongyang.

After a short break at the hotel, night fell, and we began preparing to head to the banquet.

At that moment, a knock sounded on the door. The visitor was Baek Cheol-soo.

“Boss Kim, the General has summoned you.”

“Is that so? I’ll just get dressed and go.”

I returned to my room, slipped on my outer coat, and stepped back outside.

Before getting into the vehicle that Baek Cheol-soo had arrived in, he asked me,

“You’re off to meet the General, but is that person going as well?”

I wondered why he didn’t inquire earlier. It was an expected question, so I smiled faintly.

The person he pointed at was Manager Ma.

“Is there a problem?”

“Well…”

I interrupted Baek Cheol-soo, who was trying to say something.

“As I mentioned in Seoul, I told Chairman Kim that if you are there, then this person is with me. I am not his subordinate.”

As I spoke firmly, Baek Cheol-soo’s expression hardened. Yet, I didn’t stop there.

“If you suggest separating us, then I won’t go either. What do you think?”

“…No, it’s fine. Let’s go.”

The car carrying us moved towards the outskirts of Pyongyang.

“It’s not the same place as last time, is it?”

“No. The General changes where he sleeps every night. Only a select few know where he is; the others are unaware.”

“Is that so?”

I suddenly thought about how similar the behaviors of dictators could be. The desperation of dictators who trust no one felt rather ugly.

“Has there been another assassination attempt?”

“No. There haven’t been any since then. Why are you so curious about it?”

Baek Cheol-soo looked at me suspiciously.

“I was just asking since you said he changes where he sleeps.”

However, even with my answer, he remained on edge. Baek Cheol-soo’s wariness had noticeably increased since last time.

After driving for about an hour, we arrived at a villa guarded by soldiers.

Inside the villa, Kim Jong-il was waiting.

“Mr. Kim, it’s been a while.”

“Yes, it has been a while, Chairman.”

“Who’s beside you?”

Seeing Manager Ma standing expressionlessly behind me, Kim Jong-il asked.

“Manager Ma Seok-dae. He’s like my shadow.”

“Oh, really? Let’s sit down. I prepared a little something since I heard you brought good news.”

Kim Jong-il, who seemed to dismiss Manager Ma as my companion, led me further inside.

Once seated at the table he led me to, I noticed a luxurious spread of food set before us.

“Have a drink.”

Kim Jong-il presented me with a bottle of liquor that looked expensive at first glance.

I stood up, walked over to his side, and accepted the drink. Unlike before, no one attempted to stop me.

After pouring himself a drink, he raised his glass and said,

“Let’s drink first.”

Returning to my seat, I downed the liquor Kim Jong-il poured for me.

“Mr. Kim, do you enjoy drinking?”

“I do. This seems like good liquor.”

“Of course, of course. Good liquor will make time fly by when you drink with someone who knows how to enjoy it, right? Let’s drink together all night long this evening.”

Kim Jong-il intentionally refrained from mentioning America. Instead, we shared light banter and enjoyed our food.

After chatting for about an hour and lightening the atmosphere, Kim Jong-il, seeming slightly tipsy, was ready to engage in serious conversation.

“Mr. Kim, has the U.S. accepted the conditions I proposed? Or have they put forth new ones?”

Correcting my posture, I replied earnestly.

“Yes. They stated they would acknowledge the Republic’s system. However, complete nuclear disarmament is a precondition. And…”

I trailed off, watching Kim Jong-il’s face. However, he merely tilted his drink towards me, showing no visible reaction.

“Don’t worry about my reaction, just speak freely. I know the Americans are not the type to sign a peace agreement simply by accepting my proposals.”

Feeling my throat dry from the pressure of his gentle urging, I took my glass and gulped it down in one go.

“Then, I’ll relay exactly what Vice President Dick Cheney instructed me to convey. Complete nuclear disarmament is a premise, and you’ll undergo regular inspections by the U.S. in exchange, and participate as an ally in this war on terror. Those are the two conditions.”

As soon as I finished, a look of shock crossed Kim Jong-il’s face.

“What did you just say? Participate as an ally?”

Even I felt incredulous at what was said, so I could only imagine how absurd it sounded to Kim Jong-il.

As expected, emotions filtered into Kim Jong-il’s voice for the first time.

“Listen, Mr. Kim, do you really think that makes sense? Do you know how many of our people died by their guns fifty years ago? And now, participation as an ally?”

“If you remain anchored in the past, nothing can change. After all, didn’t the North and South fight a brutal civil war fifty years ago?”

“Even so, that’s not acceptable. China would oppose it as well. The idea of being allies with the U.S….”

Pausing his words, Kim Jong-il repeatedly poured himself several glasses of strong whiskey. Then, he lit a cigarette.

Baek Cheol-soo, who stood behind, flicked his lighter and ignited his cigarette.

“…Cheol-soo, what do you think?”

“Your thoughts are my thoughts, General.”

With the stubborn Bai Cheol-soo’s reply, Kim Jong-il leaned back in his chair, exhaling a cloud of smoke.

“I’m asking for your opinion as a general. Speak up.”

After being asked twice by Kim Jong-il, Baek Cheol-soo answered without hesitation.

“The People’s Army has been trained to enter hellfire if that is your command, General.”

“Hah… This guy.”

His second answer was not much different from the first. Baek Cheol-soo’s loyalty was vividly on display.

“But… if I may dare to speak, shouldn’t if you accept the proposal, just like the U.S. and Japan, our Republic could coexist as well?”

“The U.S. and Japan…”

Kim Jong-il pondered deeply while smoking. I fidgeted with my glass as I awaited his response.

His long contemplation was interrupted by a soldier who burst through the restaurant door.

“What’s happening! Who dared to open the door without the General’s permission? Do you seek death?”

Baek Cheol-soo drew his pistol and shouted at the soldier.

Kim Jong-il remained still, eyes shut as if he was completely unaffected.

“General, I apologize.”

Only then did Kim Jong-il open his previously shut eyes. His gaze was chillingly cold.

“Speak. If it’s nothing important, both you and your family will be sent to a detention center today.”

“People’s Armed Forces Chief Kim Il-cheol has initiated a cou d’état. They are currently advancing towards Pyongyang.”

“What?”

Kim Jong-il leaped up from his seat, visibly shaken, his lips quivering slightly.

“Repeat that.”

“People’s Armed Forces Chief Kim Il-cheol has mobilized the amy. Currently, it’s confirmed that the 2nd Corps has left their post and is heading towards Pyongyang.”

“…What about the 2nd Corps commander?”

“We can’t contact them.”

I replayed the information the soldier provided in my mind.

A coup d’état, Kim Il-cheol, the People’s ArmedForces Chief, and the father of Kim Sung-jin, whom I met in Seoul.

Now I understood fully what his warning had meant.